Operation OKRA's Air Task Group (ATG) of is operaties at the request of the Iraqi Government within a US-led international coalition assembled to disrupt and degrade Islamic State in the Middle East.
A couple of days ago Russia surprised many analysts with a snap announcement that it had achieved its military objectives in Syria and was pulling out the majority of its forces. Intelligence stakeholders are yet to confirm any major troop movements and it remains to be seen if the announced draw down will actually occur.
In the mean time the media, who just loves a good Putin conspiracy, has come up with a rich list of possible theories on what it means.
Here are my top 10 (listed in order of "interestingness", not credibility).
The Australian Air Task Group (ATG) completed its first operational mission in Syria overnight, retuning to base in the Middle East without incident.
The Australian Government has spruiked its Defence credientials as part of it 2015 Federal Budget. Several major funding commitments were outlined including budget allocations for the ongoing conflict against Islamic State.
Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police have charged one man and released three others following today’s major Melbourne Joint Counter Terrorism Team operation. Hallam man Sevdet Ramdan Besim has been charged with conspiracy to commit acts done in preparation for, or planning, terrorist acts. It is alleged that these acts include a plan to attack Anzac day activities in Melbourne.
On Tuesday the Australian Government confirmed that about 300 ADF personnel, drawn largely from the Army’s 7th Brigade based in Brisbane, will be committed to the international Building Partner Capacity (BPC) training mission in Iraq.
No. 1 Squadron F/A-18F Super Hornets and personnel return to RAAF Base Amberley after completing the first rotation of Operation Okra. Personnel are welcomed home by family and friends.
Russia's broken navy, the Cybercaliphate, Anonymous and French TV. For those with a little downtime this weekend here are some good reads.
Operation OKRA is the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) contribution to the coalition operation against Islamic State in Iraq. Operation OKRA is closely coordinated with the Iraqi government, Gulf nations and a broad coalition of international partners.
Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today that Australian U.S. and coalition defence forces have continued to pound Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.