s. 33(a)(ii) s. 33(a)(iii) - Kellie Tranterkellietranter.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Syria.pdf · pcd fas-pcd, as-pmb, as-scb cpd as-saa lgd sla mpd fas-mpd, as-iob, as-utf, utf,

Item 1

Item 1

s. 33(a)(iii) s42

s33(a)(iii) s33(b)

s. 33(a)(ii) s. 33(a)(iii)s. 33(a)(ii) s. 33(a)(iii)

s. 33(a)(ii) s. 33(a)(iii)

Item 1

Item 1

s. 33(a)(iii) s42

s. 33(a)(ii) s. 33(a)(iii)s. 33(a)(ii) s. 33(a)(iii)

s. 42(1)

s. 42(1)

s. 33(a)(iii) s42

s. 33(a)(ii) s. 33(a)(iii)

s. 33(a)(ii), s. 42(1)

s. 33(a)(ii), s. 42(1)

s. 33(a)(ii) s. 42

s. 33(a)(ii) s. 42

s. 33(a)(ii) s. 33(a)(iii)

s. 33(a)(ii) s. 33(a)(iii)

Item 1

Item 1

Item 1

Item 1

s. 33(a)(iii)

Item 1

Item 1

s. 42(1)

s. 42(1)

Item 1

Item 1

FOI 373/15/16Item 4

FOI 373/15/16Item 4

S. 34(1)(c)

s33(a)(ii)

s33(a)(ii)s33(a)(ii)


s33(a)(ii)

s33(a)(ii)

s33(a)(ii)

s33(a)(ii)

s33(a)(ii)

FOI 373/15/16Item 4

FOI 373/15/16Item 4

s. 33(a)(ii), s. 33(b)

s.33(a)(ii)


s34(1)(c)

s33(a)(ii)

s34(1)(c)

s33(a)(ii) & s34(1)(c)

s33(a)(ii) & s34(1)(c)

s33(a)(ii), s34(1)(c) & s42

FOI 373/15/16Item 4

FOI 373/15/16Item 4

s. 33(a)(ii), s34(1)(c) & s42

s. 33(a)(iii), s. 42(1), s. 33(b), s. 33(a)(ii)

s. 33(a)(ii), s. 42(1), s. 33(a)(iii), s. 33(b)

s.33(a)(iii), s33(1)(ii), s33b & s42

s33(a)(ii), s33(1)(iii), s33b & s42

s33(a)(ii), s33(1)(iii), s33b & s42

s33(a)(ii), s34(1)(c)

s33(a)(ii) & s34(1)(c)


FOI 373/15/16Item 4

FOI 373/15/16Item 4

s33(a)(ii) & s34(1)(c)

s33(a)(ii)

s33(a)(ii)

s33(a)(ii), s33(iii)

s33(a)(ii), s33(iii)

s33(a)(ii), s33(a)(iii)s33(a)(ii), s33(a)(iii)

s33(a)(ii), s33(a)(iii) & s34(1)(c)

s33(a)(ii),s33(a)(iii) & s34(1)(c)


s33(a)(ii)

s33(a)(ii)

s33(a)(ii)

s33(a)(ii)

FOI 373/15/16Item 4

FOI 373/15/16Item 4

s33(a)(ii)

s33(a)(ii)

s33(a)(ii)

s33(a)(ii)

s33(a)(ii),s42

s33(a)(ii), s42

FOI 373/15/16Item 4

FOI 373/15/16Item 4



s33(a)(ii)

s33(a)(ii)

FOI 373/15/16Item 4

FOI 373/15/16Item 4

s. 33(a)(iii), s. 33(b)

s. 33(a)(iii), s. 33(b)


s33(a)(ii), s33(a)(iii)

s33(a)(ii), s33(a)(iii)

s34(1)(c)

s33(a)(ii), s33(b)s33(a)(ii), s33(b)

s33(a)(ii), s33(b)


FOI 373/15/16Item 4

FOI 373/15/16Item 4


s33(a)(ii), s33(a)(iii)


To: LONDONOTTAWAWASHINGTONIP DIVSP DIVCABLESCJOPS AUSTVCDF AUSTRALIADEFAIR DGCMDEPSEC I AND SHQJOCMSCAUSNAVSTRATCOMCA CANBERRADEPSEC CSCAF CANBERRAOPS ARMYCDF AUSTRALIACN AUSTRALIA

Info:

Originator: CANBERRA DTG: 061715Z AUG 15

MRN: CE131359H Precedence: ROUTINE

MI: RAYASAA0346 2180712 Classification: SECRET

SpecialHandling:

PrivacyMarkings:

Title: Syria: Legal basis for the use of force by the US and UK

SUBJ: Syria: Legal basis for the use of force by the US and UKODIN TYPE: CATBMRN: CE131359H

START OF SUMMARY

There is consensus amongst the US-led coalition that the collectiveself-defence of Iraq provides a legal basis for their use of forceagainst Da'esh in Syria.

SECRETPage 1 of 3 RAYASAA0346 2180712

Page 1 of 3 RAYASAA0346 2180712

SECRET

Printed by Atlantis BAE SYSTEMS Fri, 7 Aug 2015 09:43:23

FOI 373/15/16Item 5

FOI 373/15/16Item 2

s.33(b)

END OF SUMMARY

There is consensus amongst the US-led coalition that the collectiveself-defence of Iraq provides a legal basis for their use of forceagainst Da'esh in Syria (see discussion at West Point in April 2015- CE127787H refers). In Iraq, the legal basis is the Government ofIraq?s invitation and consent.

Individual self-defence

2. In addition to targeting Da'esh, the US initiated military actionagainst the Khorasan Group in Syria in September 2014. In itsArticle 51 letter to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of 23September 2014, the US justified its military action on the basisthat the Khorasan Group - an 'Al-Qaida element' - posed a terroristthreat to the US and its partners and allies.

Provision of legal advice



SECRET


FOI 373/15/16Item 5

FOI 373/15/16Item 5

s. 33(a)(iii), s. 33(b)

s. 33(a)(iii)

s. 33(a)(iii), s. 33(b)

s33(a)(ii)

s33(a)(ii)

s33(a)(ii)

s33(a)(ii)

5. Grateful responses from action posts by 12 August. We wouldwelcome views from Ottawa given that Canada is also engaged in theuse of force against Da'esh in Syria. Legal advisers in Canberraare available to speak directly to their legal counterparts ifdirect communication is preferred.

FROM:CHCH/DFAT/ILD/ILB/

References: CE127787H,WH68616H,LH43961HTOPICS:* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Defence Policy* LEGAL/International Law* POLITICAL-ECONOMIC/International Political



SECRET


FOI 373/15/16Item 5

FOI 373/15/16Item 5

s. 33(a)(iii), s. 33(b)

s. 22(1)(a)(ii)

Title: Syria: Legal basis for the use of force by the US and UK MRN: LH44001H 11/08/2015 05:42:36 PM GDT To: Canberra Cc: RR : Ottawa, Washington From: London From File: EDRMS Files: References: CE131359H, CE127787H, WH68616H, LH43961H

The cable has the following attachment/s - 150811 - Syria - legal.pdf

Response: Routine, Information Only S E C R E T SENSITIVE:LEGAL LIMITED DISTRIBUTION

*** THE FOLLOWING CONTAINS SENSITIVE INFORMATION ***

Summary

Further to first reftel, we (Rose) met with FCO Legal (Wickremasinghe, Legal Counsellor) on 10 August to discuss the UK's legal basis for the use of force in Syria.

2.

SECRET SENSITIVE:LEGAL LIMITED DISTRIBUTIONExported by Will Nankervis - 07:52 AM Wednesday, 12 August 2015

LH44001H

SECRET SENSITIVE:LEGAL LIMITED DISTRIBUTION

FOI 373/15/16Item 6

FOI 373/15/16Item 6

s. 33(a)(iii), s. 33(b), s. 42(1)

S.33(b)

s33(a)(ii)

7. The FCO would be open to a secure VTC with Canberra based legal advisers.

text ends

Sent by: Andrew Rose Prepared by: Andrew Rose Approved by: Topics: INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Defence Policy, LEGAL/International Law, POLITICAL-

ECONOMIC/International Political

Canberra distribution

To: DFAT LGD AS-ILB, AS-LLB, AS-TSB ISD FAS-ISD, AS-SIB, SIB AMDD AS-USB, AS-CLB EUD AS-EWB, AS-NSB OTN FAS-OTN, ChiefNeg-TPP TED AS-EEB, AS-GEB, AS-IIB FTD FAS-FTD, Special Negotiator-FTD, AS-NGB, AS-

NIB, AS-FAB, AS-AIB, AS-SGB To: OGOs DEFENCE Secretary, Chief ADF, Dep Sec Strategy

Cc: DFAT EXEC Secretary, Dep Sec Quinlan, Dep Sec Adams, Dep Sec Rawson, Dep Sec McDonald, Dep Sec Wells

INTF INTF EXB AS-EXB PRB AS-PRB PLB AS-PLB CMD FAS-CMD, AS-DSB, RAS, DIR-OSS IMD CIO-IMD CCD Crisis Cntr, FAS-CCD, AS-CPB PCD FAS-PCD, AS-PMB, AS-SCB CPD AS-SAA LGD SLA MPD FAS-MPD, AS-IOB, AS-UTF, UTF, AS-HGB , Amb-

CCB, Amb-PSI, AS-PSTF ISD Ambas-CT, AS-ACB, ACB, AS-CTB, CTB ASNO DG-ASNO


LH44001H


FOI 373/15/16Item 6

FOI 373/15/16Item 6

S.33(b)

AMDD FAS-AMDD EUD FAS-EUD MAD AS-MEB SWD FAS-SWD, AS-PAB, PAB, AS-IBB OTN Head-TTF, AS-AGB, AS-OIB, AS-WTB, AS-GIB,

AS- TLB TED FAS-TED, G20 Special Rep, AS-AAB, AS-APB MDD FAS-MDD, AS-BFB, AS-GLB DPD FAS-DPD, AS-PEB, AS-HWB HPD FAS-HPD, AS-HMB, AS-NVB, AS-SRB

PM Summary Cc: OGOs PLTHSE Prime Minister, PM's Office, Foreign Minister, Parl

Sec Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Advisers, Trade & Investment Minister, Trade & Investment Min Advisers, Trade & Investment Min's Office, Attorney General, Min Justice, Treasurer, Min Defence, Min Imm & BP

AAD Head AGS Secretary AUSTRAC Head AUSTRAC ASIO Head ASIS Dir Gen, ASIS AUSTRADE CEO CUSTOMS Head DIBP Secretary, Managers DIO Director FAIC Director DIND Secretary DIRD Secretary ASD Head FASD Director EMA DIR-EMA DSS Secretary GEOSNCE Head NSC Head NTAC Head ONA Director-General PMC Secretary, Dep Sec Economic , Counter-Terrorism

Coordinator, Assoc Sec National Security and International Policy, Dep Sec National Security and International Policy, Dep Sec G20, ECO, G20 Task Force, Head, FAS-NSD, GOV, IIE, FAS-INT, FAS-CPI

TREASURY Secretary DIGO Head


LH44001H


FOI 373/15/16Item 6

FOI 373/15/16Item 6

s33(a)(ii)

• SECRET AUSTEO SENSITIVE

Andrews: MAl5-7008 19 Ref: SEC (S) OUT 2015 135

CDF (S}IQUT/2015'394

Amtrallan GOYernment ~~~...M.l~lef-~~~~ 1--~~~~~~~~~~========::::;-~~~~~~~

Depu1mentofDefence ()"' MINIST ERIAL ADVICE

Reason: Date for action: 13 Au st 2015 Ex edited NSC consideration of this matter is likel

For Action: Minister for Defence Coples to: Secre1ary, CDF, VCDF, DEPSEC S, CJOPS, FASIP, FASMECC, HMSC

AUSTRALIAN INVOLVEMENT IN OPERATIONS IN SYRIA- KEY CONSIDERATIONS

Pur pose: The US has advised that a letter is being drafted from US Secretary of Defense Carter to you requesting Australian involvement in military operations in Syria. This submission provides preliminary advice on key matters that will need to be taken into account in considering this request.

Key Points:

1. We have been advised that Secretary of Defense Carter wi ll send you a letter requesting Australian involvement in operations in Syria. This follows the recent call between President Obama and t'rtme Mmister Abbot( during which President Obama raised the possibility of Australian military involvement in Syria.

2. Specifically, the letter is likely to seek Austra lian contributions to coalition activities il!.,.Syria including: airstrikes· airborne intel · · and air .to air

r e e ng.

3.

4. In summary, taking account of legal and policy considerations as well as current intelligence, our preliminary advice is that it would be essential to Limit any ADF involvement in Syria to activities countering Daesh

5.

C RNo

S.-R AL

1-b .............. .

.1-ii q ............ .

1 SENSITNE

SECRET AUSTEO

FOI 373/15/16Item 7

FOI 373/15/16Item 7

s33(a)(iii)s33(a)(iii)

s34

s33(a)(iii)

s33(a)(iii)

s33(a)(iii)

Recommendations:

That you:

SECRET AUSTEO SENSITIVE

Andrews: MA 15-700819 Ref: SEC (S) OUT 201 5 135

CDF (S)'OUT '2015.'394

t. Note that we have advised the US

n. Note that, once a formal request from the US for Australian invo ent in coalition operations in Syria has been received, we will work with other agencies to prepare advice for NSC.

Approved By

Brendan Sargeant Acting Secretary

J<- August 2015

Contact Officer : Andrew Hodgkinson

Kevin Andrews

I I Comments I Supplementar y tasking:

Resources:

6. NIA.

Consultation:

. D. Binskin, AC Air Chief Marshal Chief of the Defence Force

11 August2015

Phone: 6265 6737

7. Peter Baxter, Deputy Secretary Strategy; Vice Admiral David Johnston, Chief Joint Operations; Air Vice-Marshal John McGarry, Director Defence Intelligence Organisation;

2 SENSITNE

SECRET AUSTEO

FOI 373/15/16Item 7

FOI 373/15/16Item 7

s33(a)(iii)

s33(a)(iii)

SECRET AUSTEO SENSITIVE

Andrews: MA 15-700819 Ref: SEC (S)/OUT/20151135

CDF (S) OUT 2015 394

Mark Cunliffe, Head Defence Legal; and Brigadier Anthony Rawlins, Director General Military Strategic Commitments have been consulted in the preparation of this submission.

Attachments:

A. Paper on Australian involvement in operations in Syria - key considerations.

3 SENSJTIVE

SECRET AUSTEO

FOI 373/15/16Item 7

FOI 373/15/16Item 7

To: OTTAWAIP DIVSP DIVCABLESCJOPS AUSTVCDF AUSTRALIADEFAIR DGCMDEPSEC I AND SHQJOCMSCAUSNAVSTRATCOMCA CANBERRADEPSEC CSCAF CANBERRAOPS ARMYCDF AUSTRALIACN AUSTRALIA

Info: ANKARABAGHDADBERLINBRUSSELSCOPENHAGENLISBONLONDONMADRIDMIDDLE EAST POSTSMOSCOWPARIS EMBROMESTOCKHOLMTHE HAGUEUN NEW YORKWASHINGTONWELLINGTON

Originator: CANBERRA DTG: 031922Z SEP 15

MRN: CE132195H Precedence: PRIORITY


SpecialHandling:

PrivacyMarkings:



SECRET

Printed by Atlantis BAE SYSTEMS Thu, 25 Feb 2016 15:39:40

FOI 373/15/16Item 11

FOI 373/15/16Item 11

Title: Iraq/Syria: Canada's experience with airstrikes in Syria and fl

SUBJ: Iraq/Syria: Canada's experience with airstrikes in Syria and flODIN TYPE: CATBMRN: CE132195H

LONG TITLE: Iraq/Syria: Canada's experience with airstrikes in Syriaand flight clearance in Iraq

START OF SUMMARY

We would be grateful if Ottawa could seek advice on Canada?sexperience conducting airstrikes against Daesh in Syria. We alsoseek information on

END OF SUMMARY

Thanks Post for ongoing reporting on Canada?s military contributionto coalition efforts in Iraq and Syria. Australia has announcedthat it is considering a request by the US for Australianinvolvement in air operations in Syria. In this context, we have arange of questions on Canada?s experience with airstrikes againstDaesh in Syria.

2. Media reporting indicates that Canada has conducted limitedairstrikes in Syria since it announced that it would expand itsoperations to include Daesh targets in Syrian territory.

3. Grateful if Post could enquire about Canada?s experience of airoperations against Daesh in Syria. Specifically, we would appreciatedetails on:



SECRET


FOI 373/15/16Item 11

FOI 373/15/16Item 11

s. 33(a)(iii)

s. 33(a)(iii),s. 33(b)

s. 33(a)(iii)

4. Grateful for a response on these questions by 7 SeptemberAustralian time, ahead of Government consideration of Australianparticipation in coalition air operations in Syria. We note thatthis is a sensitive and confidential matter for Australia, given thestatus of Australian Government deliberations.

FROM:CHCH/DFAT/MAD/MEB/Will Nankervis

Annotations: Cable sent on behalf of Defence IP Division.References: OT29352H,OT29348H,BD4631HTOPICS:* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Defence Policy* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Terrorism



SECRET


FOI 373/15/16Item 11

FOI 373/15/16Item 11

s. 33(a)(iii)

s22

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

IRAQ – OPERATION OKRA

Issue

Australia’s operations in Iraq are in response to requests for assistance from both the Iraqi and US Governments.

Headline Statement

• Australia is contributing to the international coalition to disrupt anddegrade Daesh.

Key Points

The Australian Government condemns the actions of Daesh (ISIL), which is a major threat to regional and international security.

Australian aircraft are conducting combat missions, including air strikes, in Iraq to assist coalition air operations.

The Australian Special Forces Task Group is providing advice and assistance to the Iraqi Security Forces.

The combined Australia-New Zealand Task Group is training Iraqi Army forces as part of the Building Partner Capacity mission.

The ADF has also provided humanitarian assistance through airdrops to persecuted minorities in Iraq, and helped with the resupply of munitions to Kurdish Peshmerga forces.

US request for greater RAAF role over Syria

Australia is committed to the international coalition effort to disrupt, degrade and ultimately defeat Daesh, which threatens stability in Iraq, the Middle East and the security of Australians at home and in our region.

We are already helping Iraq regain control of its own security, through our air operations in Iraq, and on the ground through our Building Partner Capacity and Advise and Assist missions.

However, Daesh remains a threat to Iraq's security, partly because it continues to receive support from its network, particularly in Eastern Syria.

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY QB15-000069

FOI 373/15/16Item 4.2

FOI 373/15/16Item 4.2

Lucy.Skorupa

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Daesh controls a large amount of territory in eastern Syria that serves as a

source of recruitment and oil revenues, and as a base from which it continues to launch attacks in both Syria and Iraq.

From Eastern Syria, Daesh has been able to operate its training bases,

conduct planning and preparation for attacks, and move fighters and equipment into, and out of, Iraq.

Daesh does not respect borders and threatens Iraq's and international

security from its Syria safe havens. This is why the Government is considering extending the ADF's air

operations against Daesh into Syria, following Iraq's requests for international assistant to strike Daesh strongholds, and a formal request from the US Government.

ADF participation in these operations would help protect Iraq and its

people from Daesh attacks inside Iraq and from across the border in Syria.

This would be a contribution to international efforts to cut Daesh's capacity to sustain its operations from Syria.

If asked: about the legal basis for involvement of ADF personnel in any future airstrikes against Daesh in Syria

The collective self-defence of Iraq against armed attacks by Daesh

provides a legal basis for the use of force in Syria against Daesh targets linked to such attacks.

Collective self-defence can only be exercised when a State facing an armed

attack has requested assistance.

− Iraq has requested such assistance. − The Iraqi Foreign Minister wrote to the Security Council in

September 2014 advising of Daesh’s strongholds outside Iraq’s borders and noting it had asked the US to lead international efforts to strike Daesh strongholds in order to end the threat to Iraq.

Note that allies and partners have cited collective self-defence of Iraq as

their legal basis for operations in Syria.


FOI 373/15/16 Item 4.2

FOI 373/15/16 Item 4.2

Lucy.Skorupa

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Article 51 of the UN Charter requires Member States using force in self-defence to report such action to the Security Council. − The US, the UK and Canada have notified the Council that they are

using force in Syria on the basis of the collective self-defence of Iraq.

− In addition, the US is also relying on individual self-defence for operations in Syria.

If asked: about combat search and rescue arrangements in theatre? There is a robust combat search and rescue capability provided by the US

and other Coalition forces coordinated through the Joint Personnel Recovery framework.

Australia works with our coalition partners, including the US, to ensure

combat search and rescue arrangements are appropriate to the level of operational risk.

Defence will not comment on the specific arrangements in place for

operational security reasons. If asked: how many Iraqis are being trained by Australian Defence Force personnel? As part of the Building Partner Capacity mission, Task Group Taji has

provided training to more than 1,600 soldiers from a number of Iraqi units. The Special Operations Task Group is training Iraqi Counter-Terrorism

Service personnel in a range of skills.

If asked: about combat search and rescue arrangements in theatre? There is a robust combat search and rescue capability provided by the US

and other Coalition forces coordinated through the Joint Personnel Recovery framework.

Australia works with our coalition partners, including the US, to ensure

combat search and rescue arrangements are appropriate to the level of operational risk.

Defence will not comment on the specific arrangements in place for

operational security reasons.


FOI 373/15/16 Item 4.2

FOI 373/15/16 Item 4.2

Lucy.Skorupa

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FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Background (not for public release) Daesh, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, has maintained pressure on Iraqi and Kurdish government forces and remains in control of a number of towns and cities. On 8 August 2014, the US authorised airstrikes and humanitarian efforts for civilians in the Mount Sinjar area. The Australian Defence Force conducted its first humanitarian assistance airdrop mission to Mt Sinjar on 14 August 2014. Six humanitarian assistance airdrops have been conducted using Royal Australian Air Force aircraft. On 31 August 2014, the Prime Minister announced Australia would join international partners to help anti-Daesh forces in Iraq. Six RAAF C-17A Globemaster resupply missions have delivered munitions from eastern European donor nations to the Kurdish Peshmerga in Iraq. On 14 September 2014, Prime Minister Abbott announced that, following a specific request from the US, Australia would supply 600 personnel, including RAAF aircraft and special forces, to support the coalition force against Daesh. The ADF began operational flying over Iraq on 1 October 2014. On 3 October 2014, the Government committed up to eight F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft to participate in coalition airstrikes in Iraq. On 5-6 October 2014, Australian F/A-18F aircraft flew their first armed combat missions over Iraq. On 2 November 2014, an Australian special forces advance team deployed to Iraq to make preparations for the deployment of Australian special forces to advise and assist Iraqi security forces. The Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) main body completed its insertion into the Baghdad Diplomatic Security Centre on 20 November 2014. SOTG personnel are assisting operations conducted out of the Baghdad Diplomatic Security Centre and providing advise-and-assist support down to the Battalion headquarters level at forward operating bases in partnership with the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service. On 14 April 2015, the Prime Minister and Defence Minister announced Australia will commit a force of around 300 ADF personnel to the Building Partner Capacity (BPC) mission at Taji. Our BPC mission is currently training 150 soldiers and officers from the 71st Iraqi Army Brigade, a further 600 personnel from the Iraqi Army’s 1st Battalion 22nd Brigade and around 450 personnel from the Iraqi Army’s 1st Battalion, 23rd Brigade, who commenced their training on 27 July 2015. On 11 June 2015, the US announced it will send up to 450 military advisers to Iraq to help train local forces at the al Taqaddum military base in Anbar province. On 17 June 2015, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter had told the House Armed Services Committee the US had envisioned 24,000 Iraqi soldiers receiving training from the US-led military coalition by September but only 7,000 recruits for the Iraqi Army and 2,000 recruits for the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service have reported. On 28 June 2015, the first regular Iraqi Army members being trained by the combined Australian-New Zealand Task Group Taji graduated. More than 700 soldiers from the 16th Division’s 76th Iraqi Army Brigade spent six weeks in training at the Taji Military Complex. On 9 September 2015, multiple media outlets reported Federal cabinet will meet this morning to approve extending RAAF air strikes against Daesh militants in Syria. The Daily Telegraph has quoted an intelligence source as saying Prime Minister Tony Abbott is believed to have told defence chiefs that if and when the decision was made, he wanted at least one air strike by the end of this week. Fairfax Media, however, report the bombing raids are unlikely to happen immediately as Defence will need to turn the Government’s decision into a set of operational guidelines, including considering whether extending the existing rules of engagement for Iraq will serve for Syria and what targeting guidelines will be established. These will then need to be explained to Australia’s partners, most notably the US, which could take some days. The Australian reported Council on Foreign Relations senior fellow and former George W. Bush adviser Elliott Abrams said it was “madness” for the US-led coalition to fight Daesh in Syria without a strategy to also unseat the Assad regime. Meanwhile, former army chief Peter Leahy is quoted in The Australian as saying Australians who declare allegiance to Daesh and become enemy fighters are “fair game” on the battlefield.


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FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY International media reported two British Daesh militants killed by a UK drone strike in Syria were plotting to kill the Queen and other royal family members by detonating a bomb at the country’s VJ Day celebrations, British Prime Minister David Cameron has revealed. In other news, a Turkish Government official says Turkish ground forces have crossed into northern Iraq for a “short term” operation in pursuit of Kurdish rebels. It was said to be a small incursion by two special forces battalions rather than a full-scale ground attack on Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) bases. Turkish warplanes launched a massive air operation against PKK rebels in northern Iraq, killing up to 40 rebels, the state-run Anatolia news agency said. On 8 September 2015, multiple media outlets reported Australian air strikes on Daesh targets in Syria are likely to commence within days, with the National Security Committee expected to approve the expanded military campaign later today. An unnamed defence source told The Daily Telegraph that air strikes could commence in Syria “as early as Wednesday night.” Yesterday, Prime Minister Tony Abbott told Parliament “should we choose to extend our air strikes into Syria, we will be doing this in the collective self-defence of Iraq. We would be doing this out of a responsibility to protect innocent people at risk of horrible death from the most violent people imaginable. We would be doing this in defence of our own country because this government, all governments, this parliament and all parliaments have a responsibility to keep our country safe.” International media reported French President Francois Hollande has ordered preparations to begin for air strikes on Daesh militants in Syria. Speaking at his bi-annual news conference in Paris, Mr Hollande said terror attacks had been planned from Syria against several countries, including France. "My responsibility is to ensure that we are informed as much as possible on the threats to our country," he said. "So I have asked the defence minister that from tomorrow, reconnaissance flights begin over Syria that will enable us to consider air strikes against Islamic State." He said it would be "pointless and unrealistic" for France to send ground troops into the country. Meanwhile, UK media reported the British Government authorised an unprecedented air strike in Syria that killed two Britons fighting with Daesh. British Prime Minister David Cameron justified the Royal Air Force drone strike, saying “it was necessary and proportionate for the individual self-defence of the UK.” In other news, AFP reported that the Iraqi Defense Ministry has confirmed that Iraqi Defense Minister Khaled al-Obedi escaped unharmed as a sniper fired on his convoy on 7 September in the Tal Abu Jrad area near Bayji. The minister was touring the area to oversee military operations in Bayji. The Telegraph reported Turkish warplanes have bombed Kurdish targets in Iraq amid a vow by Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to ‘wipe out’ Kurdistan Workers’ Party militants from their mountain strongholds. In televised comments in Ankara, Davutoglu said “these terrorists must be wiped out from the mountains; whatever happens they must be wiped out. The mountains of this country must not be handed over to terrorists.” According to the Associated Press, Germany’s foreign intelligence agency BND has collected evidence of mustard gas used by Daesh. German daily newspaper Bild reported on 7 September that BND agents had collected blood samples from Kurds who were injured in clashes with Daesh militants, and the agency had “information that Daesh used mustard gas in northern Iraq.” Defense officials in Iraq and Washington have confirmed the Iraqi military has used the F-16 fighter jet in combat operations for the first time, more than a year after Iraqi officials began pressing Washington to deliver them to assist in the fight against Daesh militants. Point of Contact Andrew Hodgkinson, Acting A/S Global Interests Branch (w) 6265 6737 (m)


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s. 22(1)(a)(ii)

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FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Departmental information valid as at: 89 September 2015


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Lucy.Skorupa

Text Box

Item 12


IRAQ & SYRIA – OPERATION OKRA

Issue

Australia’s operations in Iraq and Syria are in response to requests for assistance from both the Iraqi and US Governments.

Headline Statement


Key Points



As the Prime Minister announced today (9 September), the Australian Government has decided to extend Australian Defence Force air strikes to Daesh targets in Syria as well.


The combined Australia-New Zealand Task Group is training Iraqi Army forces as part of the Building Partner Capacity mission.


Extension of Australian Defence Force air operations US request for greater RAAF role over in Syria

The Government has decided to extend Australia’s air strikes against Daesh into Syria.

This marks the next phase of Australia’s contribution to the international coalition effort to disrupt, degrade and ultimately defeat Daesh.

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The decision to expand air operations into Syria has been given careful consideration.

It follows Iraq’s requests for international assistance to strike Daesh strongholds, and a formal request from the Obama Administration.

The legal basis for these operations is the collective self-defence of Iraq.

Daesh does not respect borders and threatens the security of Iraq and the international community from its safe havens in Syria.

Daesh controls a large amount of territory in eastern Syria that serves as a source of recruitment and oil revenues, and as a base from which it continues to launch attacks in both Syria and Iraq.

From Syria, Daesh has been able to operate training bases, conduct planning and preparation for attacks, and move fighters and materiel into, and out of, Iraq.

The extension of the Australian Defence Force’s operations into Syria will help protect Iraq and its people from Daesh attacks inside Iraq and from across the border in Syria.

Daesh is reaching out to Australians, as terrorist incidents and disrupted attacks here have demonstrated.

Australia joins a number of other nations – including the United States, Canada, Arab countries and Turkey – which are already contributing to the effort against Daesh in Syria.

Australia’s Air Task Group, deployed to the Middle East region, consists of six F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport and an E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft.

Australia remains committed to the international effort to counter Daesh, which threatens stability in Iraq and the Middle East and the security of Australians at home and in our region.

As the Government has stated before, the size and nature of Australia’s overall commitment to defeat Daesh will remain under regular review.

This is a decision that is firmly in Australia’s national interest.

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It reflects the Government’s steadfast commitment to keeping Australians safe from terrorism, preventing the spread of violent extremism to our shores and responding to a deepening humanitarian crisis.

Australia is committed to the international coalition effort to disrupt, degrade and ultimately defeat Daesh, which threatens stability in Iraq, the Middle East and the security of Australians at home and in our region.

We are already helping Iraq regain control of its own security, through our air operations in Iraq, and on the ground through our Building Partner Capacity and Advise and Assist missions.

However, Daesh remains a threat to Iraq's security, partly because it continues to receive support from its network, particularly in Eastern Syria.


From Eastern Syria, Daesh has been able to operate its training bases, conduct planning and preparation for attacks, and move fighters and equipment into, and out of, Iraq.

Daesh does not respect borders and threatens Iraq's and international security from its Syria safe havens.

This is why the Government is considering extending the ADF's air operations against Daesh into Syria, following Iraq's requests for international assistant to strike Daesh strongholds, and a formal request from the US Government.

ADF participation in these operations would help protect Iraq and its people from Daesh attacks inside Iraq and from across the border in Syria.

This would be a contribution to international efforts to cut Daesh's capacity to sustain its operations from Syria.

If asked: about the legal basis for involvement of ADF personnel in any future airstrikes against Daesh in Syria

If asked: What is the legal authority for operations in Syria?












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The legal basis for a use of force by Australia against Daesh in Syria is the collective self-defence of Iraq.

Iraq has requested the assistance of the international community in responding to attacks from Daesh including from Daesh strongholds and safe havens in Syria.

To date, the US and Canada have relied upon collective self-defence of Iraq as the legal basis for operations against Daesh in Syria.

If asked: What is the Government’s position on what should happen to the Assad regime?

Australian air strikes will be targeted at Daesh – we will not be engaging in the broader conflict in Syria.

Australia does not support the Assad regime, which has committed terrible atrocities against the Syrian people.

We have consistently maintained that the crisis in Syria requires a political solution.

If asked: when will the Australian Defence Force commence air operations in Syria?

The Australian Air Task Group, operating as part of the broader international air coalition, has now commenced planning for its operations in Syria.

For operational security reasons, specific information regarding potential future targets and timing will not be disclosed.

The collective self-defence of Iraq against armed attacks by Daesh provides a legal basis for the use of force in Syria against Daesh targets linked to such attacks.

Collective self-defence can only be exercised when a State facing an armed attack has requested assistance.

−Iraq has requested such assistance.

−The Iraqi Foreign Minister wrote to the Security Council in September 2014 advising of Daesh’s strongholds outside Iraq’s borders and


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FOI 373/15/16Item 13

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noting it had asked the US to lead international efforts to strike Daesh strongholds in order to end the threat to Iraq.

Note that allies and partners have cited collective self-defence of Iraq as their legal basis for operations in Syria.

Article 51 of the UN Charter requires Member States using force in self-defence to report such action to the Security Council.

−The US, the UK and Canada have notified the Council that they are using force in Syria on the basis of the collective self-defence of Iraq.

−In addition, the US is also relying on individual self-defence for operations in Syria.

If asked: about combat search and rescue arrangements in theatre?

There is a robust combat search and rescue capability provided by the US and other Coalition forces coordinated through the Joint Personnel Recovery framework.

Australia works with our coalition partners, including the US, to ensure combat search and rescue arrangements are appropriate to the level of operational risk.

Defence will not comment on the specific arrangements in place for operational security reasons.

If asked: how many Iraqis are being trained by Australian Defence Force personnel?

As part of the Building Partner Capacity mission, Task Group Taji has provided training to more than 1,600 soldiers from a number of Iraqi units.

The Special Operations Task Group is training Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service personnel in a range of skills.











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Background (not for public release)

Daesh, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, has maintained pressure on Iraqi and Kurdish government forces and remains in control of a number of towns and cities. On 8 August 2014, the US authorised airstrikes and humanitarian efforts for civilians in the Mount Sinjar area. The Australian Defence Force conducted its first humanitarian assistance airdrop mission to Mt Sinjar on 14 August 2014. Six humanitarian assistance airdrops have been conducted using Royal Australian Air Force aircraft. On 31 August 2014, the Prime Minister announced Australia would join international partners to help anti-Daesh forces in Iraq. Six RAAF C-17A Globemaster resupply missions have delivered munitions from eastern European donor nations to the Kurdish Peshmerga in Iraq.

On 14 September 2014, Prime Minister Abbott announced that, following a specific request from the US, Australia would supply 600 personnel, including RAAF aircraft and special forces, to support the coalition force against Daesh. The ADF began operational flying over Iraq on 1 October 2014. On 3 October 2014, the Government committed up to eight F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft to participate in coalition airstrikes in Iraq. On 5-6 October 2014, Australian F/A-18F aircraft flew their first armed combat missions over Iraq. On 2 November 2014, an Australian special forces advance team deployed to Iraq to make preparations for the deployment of Australian special forces to advise and assist Iraqi security forces. The Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) main body completed its insertion into the Baghdad Diplomatic Security Centre on 20 November 2014. SOTG personnel are assisting operations conducted out of the Baghdad Diplomatic Security Centre and providing advise-and-assist support down to the Battalion headquarters level at forward operating bases in partnership with the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service.

On 14 April 2015, the Prime Minister and Defence Minister announced Australia will commit a force of around 300 ADF personnel to the Building Partner Capacity (BPC) mission at Taji. Our BPC mission is currently training 150 soldiers and officers from the 71st Iraqi Army Brigade, a further 600 personnel from the Iraqi Army’s 1st Battalion 22nd Brigade and around 450 personnel from the Iraqi Army’s 1st Battalion, 23rd Brigade, who commenced their training on 27 July 2015.

On 11 June 2015, the US announced it will send up to 450 military advisers to Iraq to help train local forces at the al Taqaddum military base in Anbar province. On 17 June 2015, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter had told the House Armed Services Committee the US had envisioned 24,000 Iraqi soldiers receiving training from the US-led military coalition by September but only 7,000 recruits for the Iraqi Army and 2,000 recruits for the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service have reported.

On 28 June 2015, the first regular Iraqi Army members being trained by the combined Australian-New Zealand Task Group Taji graduated. More than 700 soldiers from the 16th Division’s 76th Iraqi Army Brigade spent six weeks in training at the Taji Military Complex.

On 9 September 2015, Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced the Government had decided to extend Australian Defence Force air strikes to Daesh targets in Syria.

Media reporting on 9 September multiple media outlets reported Federal cabinet will meet this morning to approve extending RAAF air strikes against Daesh militants in Syria.included The Daily Telegraph has quoted quoting an intelligence source as saying Prime Minister Tony


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Abbott is believed to have told defence chiefs that if and when the decision was made, he wanted at least one air strike by the end of this week. Fairfax Media, however, reported the bombing raids are unlikely to happen immediately as Defence will need to turn the Government’s decision into a set of operational guidelines, including considering whether extending the existing rules of engagement for Iraq will serve for Syria and what targeting guidelines will be established. These will then need to be explained to Australia’s partners, most notably the US, which could take some days. The Australian reported Council on Foreign Relations senior fellow and former George W. Bush adviser Elliott Abrams said it was “madness” for the US-led coalition to fight Daesh in Syria without a strategy to also unseat the Assad regime. Meanwhile, former army chief Peter Leahy is quoted in The Australian as saying Australians who declare allegiance to Daesh and become enemy fighters are “fair game” on the battlefield.

International media reported two British Daesh militants killed by a UK drone strike in Syria were plotting to kill the Queen and other royal family members by detonating a bomb at the country’s VJ Day celebrations, British Prime Minister David Cameron has revealed.

In other news, a Turkish Government official says Turkish ground forces have crossed into northern Iraq for a “short term” operation in pursuit of Kurdish rebels. It was said to be a small incursion by two special forces battalions rather than a full-scale ground attack on Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) bases. Turkish warplanes launched a massive air operation against PKK rebels in northern Iraq, killing up to 40 rebels, the state-run Anatolia news agency said.

Point of Contact Andrew Hodgkinson, Acting A/S Global Interests Branch (w) 6265 6737 (m) Departmental information valid as at: 99 September 2015


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s. 22(1)(a)(ii)

To: CANBERRAIP DIVSP DIVCABLESCJOPS AUSTVCDF AUSTRALIADEFAIR DGCMDEPSEC I AND SHQJOCMSCAUSNAVSTRATCOMCA CANBERRADEPSEC CSCAF CANBERRAOPS ARMYCDF AUSTRALIACN AUSTRALIA

Info: ANKARABAGHDADBERLINBRUSSELSCOPENHAGENLISBONLONDONMADRIDMIDDLE EAST POSTSMOSCOWPARIS EMBROMESTOCKHOLMTHE HAGUEUN NEW YORKWASHINGTONWELLINGTON

Originator: OTTAWA DTG: 091017Z SEP 15

MRN: OT29368H Precedence: PRIORITY


SpecialHandling:

PrivacyMarkings:



SECRET

Printed by Atlantis BAE SYSTEMS Thu, 10 Sep 2015 06:08:51

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Title: Iraq/Syria: Canada's experience with airstrikes in Syria and fl

SUBJ: Iraq/Syria: Canada's experience with airstrikes in Syria and flODIN TYPE: CATBMRN: OT29368H

LONG TITLE: Iraq/Syria: Canada's experience with airstrikes in Syriaand flight clearance in Iraq

START OF SUMMARY

We provide requested information on Canada's experience conductingair strikes against Daesh in Syria.

END OF SUMMARY

On 08 September DA and DHOM met with PolicyAdvisor Middle East, Joint Operations Command and Planning stafffrom Operation Impact, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) contributionto the Middle East Stabilization Force (MESF).

Operational parameters of Canada?s airstrikes against Daesh in Syria



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33(a)(iii)

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FROM:OTWA/Brad Vizard

References: CE132195H,OT29352H,OT29348H,BD4631HTOPICS:* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Defence Policy* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Terrorism



SECRET


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To: EUROPE POSTSJAKARTAKUALA LUMPURMIDDLE EAST POSTSOTTAWAWASHINGTONWELLINGTONHQJOCJOC AUS INTDATACABLES

Info: FAF POSTS

Originator: Canberra DTG: 091601Z SEP 15

MRN: CE811500L Precedence: ROUTINE

MI: RAYASAA5033 2520624 Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

SpecialHandling:

PrivacyMarkings:

Title: Syria: Decision to commence air operations against Daesh in Syr

SUBJ: Syria: Decision to commence air operations against Daesh in SyrODIN TYPE: CATAMRN: CE811500L

LONG TITLE: Syria: Decision to commence air operations against Daeshin Syria

START OF SUMMARY

The Prime Minister announced on 9 September the AustralianGovernment's decision to extend Australia's military air operationsagainst Daesh to Syria. The decision follows Iraq's requests forinternational assistance and a formal request from the US. The legalbasis for these operations is the collective self-defence of Iraq.Australia joins a number of other nations - the US, Canada, Arabcountries and Turkey - which are already contributing to airstrikesagainst Daesh in Syria. Action posts are requested to brief hostgovernments on the decision, drawing on the attached media releaseand transcript from the Prime Minister's joint press conference.

END OF SUMMARY

UNCLASSIFIEDPage 1 of 2 RAYASAA5033 2520624


UNCLASSIFIED


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The attached Question and Answer document is for post's backgroundand to draw on if required in responding to questions. Please donot pass this document over. Other posts may also draw on theattached documents to engage host governments and interlocutors asappropriate. We would be grateful for a readout of any reactions tothe announcement.

2. Cable prepared in consultation with PM&C and Defence.

The following objects were removed from the text:Press Release.pdfTranscript.pdfQ&A.docx

FROM:CHCH/DFAT/MAD/MEB/Melissa Halldorf

References: CM4778HTOPICS:* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Defence Policy* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Terrorism



UNCLASSIFIED


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To: TEHRANIP DIVSP DIVCABLESCJOPS AUSTVCDF AUSTRALIADEFAIR DGCMDEPSEC I AND SHQJOCMSCAUSNAVSTRATCOMCA CANBERRADEPSEC CSCAF CANBERRAOPS ARMYCDF AUSTRALIACN AUSTRALIA

Info: BAGHDADLONDONWASHINGTON

Originator: CANBERRA DTG: 091905Z SEP 15


MI: RAYASAA5076 2520900 Classification: CONFIDENTIAL

SpecialHandling:

PrivacyMarkings:

Title: Syria: Air Operations Announcement: Engagement with Iran

SUBJ: Syria: Air Operations Announcement: Engagement with IranODIN TYPE: CATBMRN: CE132341H

START OF SUMMARY

Further to conversations Foley-Innes-Brown/Ralph, grateful if Postcould take an early opportunity to brief key Iranian contacts onAustralia's decision to extend air operations against Daesh toSyria.

CONFIDENTIALPage 1 of 2 RAYASAA5076 2520900


CONFIDENTIAL


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s. 33(a)(iii), s. 33(b)

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END OF SUMMARY

FROM:CHCH/DFAT/SMD/MEB/Marc Innes-Brown

References: CE811500LTOPICS:* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Defence Policy



CONFIDENTIAL


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The President of the Security Council presents his

compliments to the members of the Council and has the

honour to transmit herewith, for their information, a

copy of a letter dated 9 September 2015 from the

Permanent Representative of Australia to the United

Nations addressed to the President of the Security

Council.

This letter will be issued as a document of the

Security Council under the symbol S/2015/693.

9 September 2015

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To: UN NEW YORKHQJOCJOC AUS INTDATACABLES

Info: EUROPE POSTSJAKARTAKUALA LUMPURMIDDLE EAST POSTSOTTAWAWASHINGTONWELLINGTON


MRN: CE132342H Precedence: ROUTINE


SpecialHandling:

PrivacyMarkings:

Title: Use of force: Article 51 Report to UNSC

SUBJ: Use of force: Article 51 Report to UNSCODIN TYPE: CATAMRN: CE132342H

START OF SUMMARY

The Prime Minister announced on 9 September 2015 the AustralianGovernment's decision to extend Australia's military air operationsagainst Daesh to Syria. The legal basis for operations in Syria isthe collective self defence of Iraq. As required by Article 51 ofthe Charter of the United Nations, we request Post report to theUnited Nations Security Council that Australia is taking thesemeasures. The text of a letter discharging the Article 51 obligationis attached.

END OF SUMMARY

The following objects were removed from the text:Article 51 Aust.docx



CONFIDENTIAL


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s33(a)(iii) s33(b)

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FROM:CHCH/DFAT/ILD/ILB/Stacey Nation

References: CE811500LTOPICS:* LEGAL/International Law* UN & COMMONWEALTH/UN Discussions



CONFIDENTIAL


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Issue


Headline Statement


Key Points



As the Prime Minister announced today yesterday (9 September), the Australian Government has decided to extend Australian Defence Force air strikes to include Daesh targets in Syria as well.


The combined Australia-New Zealand Task Group is training Iraqi Army forces as part of the United States-led Building Partner Capacity mission.


Extension of Australian Defence Force air operations in eastern Syria

The Government has decided to extend Australia’s air strikes against Daesh into eastern Syria.



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Iraq has requested the assistance of the international community in responding to attacks from Daesh, including from Daesh strongholds and safe havens in Syria.






If asked: When will the Australian Defence Force commence air operations in Syria?






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If asked: about the deliberate targeting of Australian citizens

Our missions are conducted within the law.

This allows for the targeting of members of Daesh (ISIL), and could potentially include Australian citizens.

Australian citizens who join Daesh need to understand they may become targets.

We have consistently warned that people who travel to conflict zones put themsleves in grave danger.

If asked: How much will this cost? How will you pay for it?

This is an extension of existing air operations against Daesh in Iraq into parts of Syria occupied by Daesh

- costs will be covered by existing funding for ADF operations in Iraq.

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On 10 September 2015, there was extensive coverage of the Government’s decision to extend air strikes to Daesh targets in Syria. Most outlets reported the Prime Minister’s comments that Australia’s objective “throughout the Middle East is governments that do not commit


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genocide against their own people, nor permit terrorism against ours.” Media also reported the Prime Minister’s comments that the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was not the aim of the operation but the “Assad regime is not the kind of government that we could ever support.” Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin is quoted as saying the RAAF would not be operating out of bases in Turkey and that if more aircraft were needed to meet the additional commitments, the RAAF still had the option of sending two more fighter-bombers to joint the six already committed to the campaign. Faifax Media reported the Prime Minister warned Australian jihadists in Syria they “may well feel the force of our arms” and that anyone fighting with Daesh was a potential target. Fairfax went on to report that the Prime Minister had also refused to rule out putting combat troops on the ground in future and that asked twice about whether combat boots on the ground would be needed, the Prime Minister first sidestepped the question then said it was “not appropriate to speculate today.” The Australian’s Cameron Stewart commented that the decision to extend air strikes to Syria ‘reflects the mission creep now being seen in the West’s fight against Islamic State (also known as Daesh) that has failed to deliver the decisive blows that had been expected.”

Today’s editorial in the Sydney Morning Herald stated the Government’s decision to join US-led air strikes against Daesh terrorists on Syrian territory “raises questions of legality, efficiency and potential consequences.” Meanwhile, the editorial in The Australian stated while the mission can be justified on the basis of Iraq’s self-defence against Daesh, “the mission plan lacks clarity” and that “unless Iraqi and Syrian forces can recover significant tracts of territory, the air strikes are more about containment than rendering areas safe for civilian return.”

In other news, international media reported Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said on Wednesday he had dismissed 123 deputy ministers and general managers as part of a reform push aimed at reducing corruption and management which has made the country nearly impossible to govern.

Media reporting on 9 September included The Daily Telegraph quoting an intelligence source as saying Prime Minister Tony Abbott is believed to have told defence chiefs that if and when the decision was made, he wanted at least one air strike by the end of this week. Fairfax Media, however, reported the bombing raids are unlikely to happen immediately as Defence will need to turn the Government’s decision into a set of operational guidelines, including considering whether extending the existing rules of engagement for Iraq will serve for Syria and what targeting guidelines will be established. These will then need to be explained to Australia’s partners, most notably the US, which could take some days. The Australian reported Council on Foreign Relations senior fellow and former George W. Bush adviser Elliott Abrams said it was “madness” for the US-led coalition to fight Daesh in Syria without a strategy to also unseat the Assad regime. Meanwhile, former army chief Peter Leahy is quoted in The Australian as saying Australians who declare allegiance to Daesh and become enemy fighters are “fair game” on the battlefield.

International media reported two British Daesh militants killed by a UK drone strike in Syria were plotting to kill the Queen and other royal family members by detonating a bomb at the country’s VJ Day celebrations, British Prime Minister David Cameron has revealed.

In other news, a Turkish Government official says Turkish ground forces have crossed into northern Iraq for a “short term” operation in pursuit of Kurdish rebels. It was said to be a

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small incursion by two special forces battalions rather than a full-scale ground attack on Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) bases. Turkish warplanes launched a massive air operation against PKK rebels in northern Iraq, killing up to 40 rebels, the state-run Anatolia news agency said.



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To: CANBERRAHQJOCJOC AUS INTDATACABLES

Info:

Originator: Dublin DTG: 100123Z SEP 15

MRN: DU652678L Precedence: ROUTINE


SpecialHandling:

PrivacyMarkings:


SUBJ: Syria: Decision to commence air operations against Daesh in SyrODIN TYPE: CATAMRN: DU652678L

LONG TITLE: Syria: Decision to commence air operations against Daeshin Syria

START OF SUMMARY

On 9 September, post briefed Irish DFAT (Asia Pacific Unit andMiddle East Unit) on the Australian Government?s decision to extendAustralia?s military air operations against Daesh in Syria. Postpassed across a copy of the press release, as well as the transcriptof the Prime Minister?s statement on the Syrian humanitarian crisis.Irish DFAT acknowledged the briefing, but did not make anysubstantive comment.

END OF SUMMARY

FROM:DUBL/Ruth Adler

References: CE811500L,CM4778HTOPICS:* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Defence Policy* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Terrorism



UNCLASSIFIED


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Info: BEIJINGEUROPE POSTSMIDDLE EAST POSTSOTTAWAUN NEW YORKWASHINGTONWELLINGTON

Originator: London DTG: 100131Z SEP 15

MRN: LH44075H Precedence: PRIORITY


SpecialHandling:

PrivacyMarkings:

Title: UK: Syria: Conversation with Secretary of Defence

SUBJ: UK: Syria: Conversation with Secretary of DefenceODIN TYPE: CATAMRN: LH44075H

START OF SUMMARY

END OF SUMMARY

High Commissioner briefed the British Defence Secretary, Michael



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Fallon, about the Australian government's latest announcement onmilitary action in Syria.

FROM:LHLH/Donna Woodward

TOPICS:* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Defence Policy* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Strategic Policy* POLITICAL-ECONOMIC/International Political



CONFIDENTIAL


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Info: GENEVA UNMIDDLE EAST POSTSOTTAWAUNSC POSTSVIENNA UNWELLINGTON

Originator: UN New York DTG: 100824Z SEP 15

MRN: UN666435L Precedence: PRIORITY


SpecialHandling:

PrivacyMarkings:

Title: UNSC: Syria: Australian Article 51 notification

SUBJ: UNSC: Syria: Australian Article 51 notificationODIN TYPE: CATAMRN: UN666435L

START OF SUMMARY

Further to reftel and emails (FMO/INT/UNNY), HOM has written to theUN Security Council to provide advice of the Government's decisionto extend Australia's military air operations against Daesh inSyria. The letter (attached) has been circulated as an officialdocument of the Security Council (S/2015/693).

END OF SUMMARY

The following objects were removed from the text:090915 Australia letter of 9 September.pdf

FROM:UNNY/Gareth Williams



UNCLASSIFIED

Printed by Atlantis BAE SYSTEMS Thu, 14 Apr 2016 14:50:37

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References: CE132342HTOPICS:* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Defence Policy* LEGAL/International Law* UNSC/General



UNCLASSIFIED


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Info: EUROPE POSTSFAF POSTSJAKARTAKUALA LUMPURMIDDLE EAST POSTSOTTAWAWASHINGTONWELLINGTON

Originator: Baghdad DTG: 100128Z SEP 15

MRN: BD2672L Precedence: ROUTINE


SpecialHandling:

PrivacyMarkings:


SUBJ: Syria: Decision to commence air operations against Daesh in SyrODIN TYPE: CATAMRN: BD2672L

LONG TITLE: Syria: Decision to commence air operations against Daeshin Syria - Baghdad

START OF SUMMARY

Post has conveyed to the Iraqi PMO and MFA advice of the AustralianGovernment's decision to extend military air operations againstDaesh to Syria. We will seek further opportunities to brief thegovernment on the decision and report any reactions.

END OF SUMMARY

HOM emailed advice of the Australian Government's decision to extendAustralia's military air operations against Daesh to Syria to PrimeMinister Abadi's Chief of Staff, Dr Mahdi Al-Allak, on 9 September.We also emailed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ambassador Bakir



UNCLASSIFIED


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Ahmed Al-Jaff, Head of Australasia Division).

2. We will seek further opportunities to brief the Government ofIraq on the decision and report any reactions.

FROM:BDAD/Claire Rochecouste

References: CE811500LTOPICS:* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Defence Policy* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Terrorism



UNCLASSIFIED


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Issue


Headline Statement


Key Points



As the Prime Minister announced on 9 September, the Australian Government has decided to extend Australian Defence Force air strikes to include Daesh targets in Syria.








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We have consistently warned that people who travel to conflict zones put themselves in grave danger.



- Costs will be covered by existing funding for ADF operations inIraq.


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On 11 September 2015, media reported the Prime Minister’s comments that Australian forces will be involved in Syria “as long as needed.” Speaking to reporters in Port Moresby, the Prime Minister is quoted as saying “We don’t want to put a particular timeline on this other


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than to say that they’ll be there as long as needed but no longer than necessary.” Media also reported Defence Minister Kevin Andrews’ comments during an interview with the Nine Network in which he said Australia’s military commitment to Iraq and Syria could last “two or three” years. News Limited papers reported the Defence Minister had said RAAF aircraft would be safe from attack by Syrian anti-aircraft weapons given the Syrian military was operating in the west of the country and not near the Daesh-controlled areas in the east. Minister Andrews is quoted as saying “We know ISIL carry out a lot of their activities over the border in eastern Syria. Intelligence suggests their training, their command and control…is in eastern Syria to a large extent.” Treasurer Joe Hockey reportedly said the cost of extending the air strikes from Iraq into Syria would be minimal as no extra combat aircraft would be added.

The Australian reported Australia is ramping up diplomatic efforts, with the US and Britain, to remove Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. The Australian reports Prime Minister Abbott is preparing a political strategy to take to US President Barack Obama and the world leaders summit at the UN in three weeks. The editorial in today’s Canberra Times states “coming to some accommodation with President Bashar al-Assad and giving his army the means to defeat IS would be a better military strategy.”

Meanwhile, Fairfax Media reported Minister Andrews acknowledged the West needs a clearer strategy for the Middle East. Minister Andrews is quoted as saying “Is there a need for a clearer strategy so far as the Middle East is concerned? Yes there is…And that’s something we have been talking – and will continue to talk – to the Americans and others [about].”

In other news, international media reported the al Qaeda network leader Ayman al-Zawahiri has said the network’s fighters would possibly join Daesh in fighting the US-led coalition in Iraq and Syria, despite calling its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and its self declared caliphate as illegitimate. Al-Zawahiri made the statement through an audiotape placed on the internet with the date of the recording yet to be confirmed.

AFP reported Iraq has condemned Turkey for sending ground troops onto its territory in pursuit of Kurdish rebels, calling it a “clear violation” of its sovereignty. Spokesman Ahmed Jamal is quoted as saying “the foreign ministry expresses its condemnation of the incursion of a number of Turkish military units inside Iraqi territory,” which “represents a clear violation of Iraqi sovereignty and a clear offence to bilateral relations between the two countries.”

Media also reported Iraq’s Air Force commander General Hamid Al-Maliki announced Iraq had “received four Russian-made combat aircraft, in accordance with an earlier contract signed by Iraq with Moscow.” General Maliki is further quoted as saying the aircraft will join the Iraqi aircraft fleet to enter the battle against Daesh in two weeks.

On 10 September 2015, there was extensive coverage of the Government’s decision to extend air strikes to Daesh targets in Syria. Most outlets reported the Prime Minister’s comments that Australia’s objective “throughout the Middle East is governments that do not commit genocide against their own people, nor permit terrorism against ours.” Media also reported the Prime Minister’s comments that the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was not the aim of the operation but the “Assad regime is not the kind of government that we could ever support.” Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin is quoted as saying the RAAF would not be operating out of bases in Turkey and that if more aircraft were needed to meet the additional

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commitments, the RAAF still had the option of sending two more fighter-bombers to joint the six already committed to the campaign. Fairfax Media reported the Prime Minister warned Australian jihadists in Syria they “may well feel the force of our arms” and that anyone fighting with Daesh was a potential target. Fairfax went on to report that the Prime Minister had also refused to rule out putting combat troops on the ground in future and was asked twice about whether combat boots on the ground would be needed, the Prime Minister first sidestepped the question then said it was “not appropriate to speculate today.” The Australian’s Cameron Stewart commented that the decision to extend air strikes to Syria ‘reflects the mission creep now being seen in the West’s fight against Islamic State (also known as Daesh) that has failed to deliver the decisive blows that had been expected.”

Today’s editorial in the Sydney Morning Herald stated the Government’s decision to join US-led air strikes against Daesh terrorists on Syrian territory “raises questions of legality, efficiency and potential consequences.” Meanwhile, the editorial in The Australian stated while the mission can be justified on the basis of Iraq’s self-defence against Daesh, “the mission plan lacks clarity” and that “unless Iraqi and Syrian forces can recover significant tracts of territory, the air strikes are more about containment than rendering areas safe for civilian return.”

In other news, international media reported Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said on Wednesday he had dismissed 123 deputy ministers and general managers as part of a reform push aimed at reducing corruption and management which has made the country nearly impossible to govern.



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Issue


Headline Statement


Key Points



As the Prime Minister announced on 9 September, the Australian Government has decided to extend Australian Defence Force air strikes to include Daesh targets in Syria.








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The Australian Air Task Group has The Australian Air Task Group, operating as part of the broader international air coalition, completed its first operational mission in Syriahas now commenced planning for its operations in Syria.

No weapons were released during the mission.

The mission provided on-call targeting support to the international coalition’s effort to disrupt and degrade Daesh.






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-Costs will be covered by existing funding for ADF operations inIraq.




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On 11 September 2015, media reported the Prime Minister’s comments that Australian forces will be involved in Syria “as long as needed.” Speaking to reporters in Port Moresby, the


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Prime Minister is quoted as saying “We don’t want to put a particular timeline on this other than to say that they’ll be there as long as needed but no longer than necessary.”

On 11-12 September 2015, the Air Task Group completed its first operational mission in Syria. No weapons were released during the mission. The mission provided on-call interdiction and dynamic targeting in support as part of the international coalition’s effort to disrupt and degrade Daesh. Two RAAF F/A-18A Hornets, a KC-30A air-to-air refuelling aircraft and E-7A Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft combined during the mission.

International media reported Iraq might not object to a Russian request to use Iraqi airspace to deliver aid to the Syrian regime in its war against Daesh. US State Department spokesman John Kirby is quoted as saying “as far as the airspace over Iraq, it’s Iraqi airspace, and it’s Iraqi sovereign airspace that is up to the Iraqi government to coordinate.”

On 13 September media reported Iraq’s Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari has called on Turkey to coordinate with Baghdad in its military campaign against Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) positions in northern Iraq. Al-Jaafari reportedly summoned the Turkish Ambassador to object to what he called a violation of Iraqi sovereignty.

Iraqi and Qatari media reported Qatar's emir has appointed an ambassador to Iraq, the first since the embassy was closed 25 years ago, in the latest sign of a thaw in relations between Gulf Arab countries and Iraq. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia will open its embassy in Baghdad and its consulate in Erbil after a diplomatic hiatus of 25 years. Diplomatic sources said the Iraqi authorities have now completed the visas for the diplomats who will be assigned to the two diplomatic missions which are expected to open on 23 September. Media also reported Defence Minister Kevin Andrews’ comments during an interview with the Nine Network in which he said Australia’s military commitment to Iraq and Syria could last “two or three” years. News Limited papers reported the Defence Minister had said RAAF aircraft would be safe from attack by Syrian anti-aircraft weapons given the Syrian military was operating in the west of the country and not near the Daesh-controlled areas in the east. Minister Andrews is quoted as saying “We know ISIL carry out a lot of their activities over the border in eastern Syria. Intelligence suggests their training, their command and control…is in eastern Syria to a large extent.” Treasurer Joe Hockey reportedly said the cost of extending the air strikes from Iraq into Syria would be minimal as no extra combat aircraft would be added.

The Australian reported Australia is ramping up diplomatic efforts, with the US and Britain, to remove Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. The Australian reports Prime Minister Abbott is preparing a political strategy to take to US President Barack Obama and the world leaders summit at the UN in three weeks. The editorial in today’s Canberra Times states “coming to some accommodation with President Bashar al-Assad and giving his army the means to defeat IS would be a better military strategy.”

Meanwhile, Fairfax Media reported Minister Andrews acknowledged the West needs a clearer strategy for the Middle East. Minister Andrews is quoted as saying “Is there a need for a clearer strategy so far as the Middle East is concerned? Yes there is…And that’s something we have been talking – and will continue to talk – to the Americans and others [about].”

In other news, international media reported the al Qaeda network leader Ayman al-Zawahiri has said the network’s fighters would possibly join Daesh in fighting the US-led coalition in

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Iraq and Syria, despite calling its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and its self declared caliphate as illegitimate. Al-Zawahiri made the statement through an audiotape placed on the internet with the date of the recording yet to be confirmed.

AFP reported Iraq has condemned Turkey for sending ground troops onto its territory in pursuit of Kurdish rebels, calling it a “clear violation” of its sovereignty. Spokesman Ahmed Jamal is quoted as saying “the foreign ministry expresses its condemnation of the incursion of a number of Turkish military units inside Iraqi territory,” which “represents a clear violation of Iraqi sovereignty and a clear offence to bilateral relations between the two countries.”

Media also reported Iraq’s Air Force commander General Hamid Al-Maliki announced Iraq had “received four Russian-made combat aircraft, in accordance with an earlier contract signed by Iraq with Moscow.” General Maliki is further quoted as saying the aircraft will join the Iraqi aircraft fleet to enter the battle against Daesh in two weeks. On 14 September 2015, in an opinion piece for The Australian, former Chief of Army Peter Leahy stated in the absence of an American strategy, this is an opportunity for Australia to show global leadership by opening discussing what we want to achieve in the Middle East. Leahy writes one of the most important first steps is to limit our engagement and get the Middle East to do more and that we shouldn’t get involved in the centuries-old struggle between Sunnis and Shi’ites. Leahy says “we need to measure our next moves against our national interests and engage further only when we have an agreed and appropriate strategy.”

Point of Contact Tom HamiltonAndrew Hodgkinson, Acting A/S Global Interests Branch (w) 6265 67373074 (m) Departmental information valid as at: 114 September 2015

Formatted: English (U.S.)



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s. 22(1)(a)(ii)

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Issue


Headline Statement


Key Points


Australian aircraft are conducting combat missions, including air strikes, in Iraq and Syria to assist coalition air operations.

The Australian Special Operations Task Group is providing advice and assistance to the Iraqi Security Forces.




As the Prime Minister announced on 9 September, the Government has decided to extend Australia’s air strikes against Daesh into eastern Syria.




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Australia’s Air Task Group, deployed to the Middle East Region, includes six F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport and an E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft.






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If asked: Has When will the Australian Defence Force commenced air operations in Syria?

Yes. The Australian Air Task Group is now conducting operational has completed its first operational missions in over Syria.

No weapons were released during the mission.

The mission provided on-call targeting support to the international coalition’s effort to disrupt and degrade Daesh.




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On 14 September 2014, the Government Prime Minister Abbott announced that, following a specific request from the US, Australia would supply 600 personnel, including RAAF aircraft and special forces, to support the coalition force against Daesh. The ADF began operational flying over Iraq on 1 October 2014. On 3 October 2014, the Government committed up to eight F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft to participate in coalition airstrikes in Iraq. On 5-6 October 2014, Australian F/A-18F aircraft flew their first armed combat missions over Iraq. On 2 November 2014, an Australian special forces advance team deployed to Iraq to make preparations for the deployment of Australian special forces to advise and assist Iraqi security forces. The Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) main body completed its insertion into the Baghdad Diplomatic Security Centre on 20 November 2014. SOTG personnel are assisting operations conducted out of the Baghdad Diplomatic Security Centre and providing advise-and-assist support down to the Battalion headquarters level at forward operating bases in partnership with the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service.

On 14 April 2015, the Government Prime Minister and Defence Minister announced Australia will commit a force of around 300 ADF personnel to the Building Partner Capacity (BPC) mission at Taji. Our BPC mission is currently training 150 soldiers and officers from the 71st Iraqi Army Brigade, a further 600 personnel from the Iraqi Army’s 1st Battalion 22nd Brigade and around 450 personnel from the Iraqi Army’s 1st Battalion, 23rd Brigade, who commenced their training on 27 July 2015.



On 9 September 2015, the Government Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced the Government it had decided to extend Australian Defence Force air strikes to Daesh targets in Syria.


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On 11 September 2015, media reported then the Prime Minister Abbott’s comments that Australian forces will be involved in Syria “as long as needed.” Speaking to reporters in Port Moresby, the Prime Minister Abbott is quoted as saying “We don’t want to put a particular timeline on this other than to say that they’ll be there as long as needed but no longer than necessary.”


On 15 September 2015, media reported French President Francois Hollande announced France will carry out air strikes against Daesh in Syria. President Hollande said at a press conference that “We announced reconnaissance flights would be carried out allowing us to envisage strikes if necessary…and it will be necessary.”

Meanwhile, The New York Times reported Russia is using an air corridor over Iraq and Iran to fly military equipment and personnel to a new air hub in Syria, opening defying US efforts to block the shipments and significantly increasing tensions with Washington. American officials disclosed on Sunday that at least seven Russian Condor transport planes had taken off from a base in southern Russia during the past week to ferry equipment to Syria, all passing through Iranian and Iraqi airspace. US diplomats reportedly raised the issue with the Iraqi Government, hoping the Iraqis would follow Bulgaria’s example and declare their airspace off limits to Russian transport planes. A spokesman for the Iraqi Prime Minister declined to comment asserting he had no information about the Russian flights or the United States’ concerns about them.

AFP reported an estimated 160 American soldiers have landed at Iraq’s Habbaniyah air base, east of Ramadi as part of US-led coalition efforts to recapture the city of Ramadi from Daesh militants. The Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed news site quoted an Iraqi military official as saying “the new forces’ mission does not appear to be training the Iraqi army or the tribes fighting with me. We expect that they will provide direct support in the upcoming battle to retake Ramadi.”

Former Treasurer Peter Costello writes in The Daily Telegraph that “the real problem in Syria is we can identify many enemies but few friends.” Mr Costello goes on to say “to think we can remake these countries as model democracies is a fantasy. If that is the test of success we will never leave. It may be the best we can hope for is moderate dictators as opposed to obscene ones.”

International media reported Iraq might not object to a Russian request to use Iraqi airspace to deliver aid to the Syrian regime in its war against Daesh. US State Department spokesman John Kirby is quoted as saying “as far as the airspace over Iraq, it’s Iraqi airspace, and it’s Iraqi sovereign airspace that is up to the Iraqi government to coordinate.”

On 13 September, media reported Iraq’s Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al-Jaafari has called on Turkey to coordinate with Baghdad in its military campaign against Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) positions in northern Iraq. Al-Jaafari reportedly summoned the Turkish Ambassador to object to what he called a violation of Iraqi sovereignty.


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Iraqi and Qatari media reported Qatar's emir has appointed an ambassador to Iraq, the first since the embassy was closed 25 years ago, in the latest sign of a thaw in relations between Gulf Arab countries and Iraq. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia will open its embassy in Baghdad and its consulate in Erbil after a diplomatic hiatus of 25 years. Diplomatic sources said the Iraqi authorities have now completed the visas for the diplomats who will be assigned to the two diplomatic missions, which are expected to open on 23 September.

On 14 September 2015, in an opinion piece for The Australian, former Chief of Army Peter Leahy stated in the absence of an American strategy, this is an opportunity for Australia to show global leadership by opening discussing what we want to achieve in the Middle East. Leahy writes one of the most important first steps is to limit our engagement and get the Middle East to do more and that we shouldn’t get involved in the centuries-old struggle between Sunnis and Shi’ites. Leahy says “we need to measure our next moves against our national interests and engage further only when we have an agreed and appropriate strategy.”

Point of Contact Tom Hamilton, A/S Global Interests Branch (w) 6265 3074 (m) Departmental information valid as at: 145 September 2015


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Issue


Headline Statement


Key Points


Australian aircraft are conducting combat missions, including air strikes, in Iraq and Syria to assist coalition air operations.

The Australian Special Operations Task Group is providing advice and assistance to the Iraqi Security Forces.




As the Prime Minister announced on 9 September, the Government has decided to extend Australia’s air strikes against Daesh into eastern Syria.




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Australia’s Air Task Group, deployed to the Middle East Region, includes six F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, a KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport and an E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft.






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If asked: Has the Australian Defence Force commenced air operations in Syria?

Yes. The Australian Air Task Group is now conducting operational missions over Syria.

Two days ago, on the 14th of September, the Air Task Group completed its first strike against a Daesh target in eastern Syria, destroying an Armoured Personnel Carrier.

Two of our F/A-18 Hornets identified the Personnel Carrier, hidden in a Daesh compound.

The information was reported back to the Combined Air Operations Centre via the RAAF E-7A Wedgetail.

Upon receiving authorisation to proceed, one of the Hornets employed a precision guided weapon to destroy the target.


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If asked: about media reports that soldiers from the Brisbane-based 7th Brigade are preparing to deploy as part of the second rotation of Task Group Taji.

Known as Task Group Taji, around 300 troops drawn primarily from the Australian Army’s Brisbane-based 7th Brigade, deployed to Iraq in April 2015.

Additional members from the 7th Brigade are preparing for mission rehearsal exercises prior to their deployment as Task Group Taji Rotation Two.

Defence will announce the details of this second rotation in due course.







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On 14 September 2014, the Government announced that, following a specific request from the US, Australia would supply 600 personnel, including RAAF aircraft and special forces, to support the coalition force against Daesh. The ADF began operational flying over Iraq on 1 October 2014. On 3 October 2014, the Government committed up to eight F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft to participate in coalition airstrikes in Iraq. On 5-6 October 2014, Australian F/A-18F aircraft flew their first armed combat missions over Iraq. On 2 November 2014, an Australian special forces advance team deployed to Iraq to make preparations for the deployment of Australian special forces to advise and assist Iraqi security forces. The Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) main body completed its insertion into the Baghdad Diplomatic Security Centre on 20 November 2014. SOTG personnel are assisting operations conducted out of the Baghdad Diplomatic Security Centre and providing advise-and-assist support down to the Battalion headquarters level at forward operating bases in partnership with the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service.

On 14 April 2015, the Government announced Australia will commit a force of around 300 ADF personnel to the Building Partner Capacity (BPC) mission at Taji. Task Group Taji deployed to Iraq in April and became fully operational in May. To date, Task Group Taji has provided training to more than 1600 Iraqi Army personnel and it continues to receive further Iraqi Army units for instruction. Task Group Taji is currently training around 700 soldiers from a number of Iraqi units. This includes around 430 soldiers and officers from the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Iraqi Army Brigade and around 280 personnel from the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Iraqi Army Brigade.

Our BPC mission is currently training 150 soldiers and officers from the 71st Iraqi Army Brigade, a further 600 personnel from the Iraqi Army’s 1st Battalion 22nd Brigade and around 450 personnel from the Iraqi Army’s 1st Battalion, 23rd Brigade, who commenced their training on 27 July 2015.



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On 9 September 2015, the Government announced it had decided to extend Australian Defence Force air strikes to Daesh targets in Syria.

On 11 September 2015, media reported then Prime Minister Abbott’s comments that Australian forces will be involved in Syria “as long as needed.” Speaking to reporters in Port Moresby, Prime Minister Abbott is quoted as saying “We don’t want to put a particular timeline on this other than to say that they’ll be there as long as needed but no longer than necessary.”


On 15 September 2015, media reported French President Francois Hollande announced France will carry out air strikes against Daesh in Syria. President Hollande said at a press conference that “We announced reconnaissance flights would be carried out allowing us to envisage strikes if necessary…and it will be necessary.”

Meanwhile, The New York Times reported Russia is using an air corridor over Iraq and Iran to fly military equipment and personnel to a new air hub in Syria, opening defying US efforts to block the shipments and significantly increasing tensions with Washington. American officials disclosed on Sunday that at least seven Russian Condor transport planes had taken off from a base in southern Russia during the past week to ferry equipment to Syria, all passing through Iranian and Iraqi airspace. US diplomats reportedly raised the issue with the Iraqi Government, hoping the Iraqis would follow Bulgaria’s example and declare their airspace off limits to Russian transport planes. A spokesman for the Iraqi Prime Minister declined to comment asserting he had no information about the Russian flights or the United States’ concerns about them.

AFP reported an estimated 160 American soldiers have landed at Iraq’s Habbaniyah air base, east of Ramadi as part of US-led coalition efforts to recapture the city of Ramadi from Daesh militants. The Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed news site quoted an Iraqi military official as saying “the new forces’ mission does not appear to be training the Iraqi army or the tribes fighting with me. We expect that they will provide direct support in the upcoming battle to retake Ramadi.” On 14 September 2015, the Air Task Group completed its first strike against a Daesh target in eastern Syria, destroying an Armoured Personnel Carrier. Two RAAF F/A-18 Hornets identified the Personnel Carrier, hidden in a Daesh compound. The information was reported back to the Combined Air Operations Centre via the RAAF E-7A Wedgetail. Upon receiving authorisation to proceed, one of the Hornets employed a precision guided weapon to destroy the target.

On 16 September 2015, The Australian Financial Review reported Defence Minister Kevin Andrews “is under no illusion” that extending Australia’s Iraq air campaign into Syria will end the conflict in Syria, but he says it can help destroy Daesh in Iraq. Minister Andrews is quoted as saying “we are legally and practically restrained in what we can do in Syria” and that “any action has to be linked to Iraq under the principle of collective self-defence of Iraq






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s33(a)(iii) s33(b)


and it has to be linked to Daesh.” ABC Online reported Minister Andrews had confirmed that Australian fighter jets had carried out their first air strike in Syria.

Media reported that Russia has reportedly sent artillery and seven tanks to a Syrian air base as part of Moscow’s continued military build-up. An unnamed US official said the seven T-90 tanks arrived in recent days but had not been sent outside the air base near Latakia. It comes after American officials disclosed that at least seven Russian Condor transport planes had taken off from a base in southern Russia to ferry equipment into Syria.

Asarq Al-Awsat reported the United States is seeking to give Anbar tribes a greater military role in the fight against Daesh, according to a tribal source. The source said US forces operating in Iraq have been providing weapons and ammunition to Iraqi tribal fighters positioned near the cities of Fallujah and Ramadi in Anbar province. The military equipment is being transferred on a daily basis by US cargo planes that land at the Habbaniyah Airbase east of Ramadi “without consulting with the central government in Baghdad.”

Other media outlets reported, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Turkey will “resolutely” continue military operations against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) targets in northern Iraq, following criticisms from Iraqi authorities. The reports follow the Iraqi Foreign Minister’s reaction against Turkish military’s Iraq operations in which Ibrahim al-Jafari called on Ankara to coordinate with Baghdad in its military campaign against the PKK

Meanwhile, The Queensland Times reported an Amberley-based KC-30A crew was deployed to the Middle East last week as part of Australia’s air strikes against Daesh into Syria. The Courier Mail reported around 300 soldiers from the 7th Brigade in Brisbane, to be part of Task Group Taji Rotation Two, are preparing for “mission rehearsal exercises ahead of their deployment” possibly as early as the end of next month.

In New Zealand, local media reported NZ First’s Ron Mark believes more troops are being trained for deployment to Iraq. Mark is quoted as saying “we understand preparations are being made to deploy an extra platoon of infantry, around 30 personnel, to assist with security at Taji.” NZ Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee told reporters the Government wasn’t considering sending any extra troops to Iraq.

Former Treasurer Peter Costello writes in The Daily Telegraph that “the real problem in Syria is we can identify many enemies but few friends.” Mr Costello goes on to say “to think we can remake these countries as model democracies is a fantasy. If that is the test of success we will never leave. It may be the best we can hope for is moderate dictators as opposed to obscene ones.”

Point of Contact Tom Hamilton, A/First Assistant Secretary,S Global Interests Branch International Policy Division (w) 6265 3074 (m) Departmental information valid as at: 156 September 2015


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FOI 373/15/16Item 27

FOI 373/15/16Item 27

s. 22(1)(a)(ii)

s33(a)(iii) s33(b)

s33(a)(iii) s33(b)

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/tag/PKK

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/tag/Ankara

ADF Operations in the Middle East

Summary The major Australian Defence Force (ADF) operation in the Middle East is participation in the US-led coalition against Daesh (also known as ISIL). The ADF also contributes to US-led maritime security operations and peacekeeping operations in the Middle East region.

ADF contributions to the coalition against Daesh Around 780 ADF personnel have been deployed to the Middle East in support of coalition operations in Iraq and Syria. Australia is contributing 300 personnel to the US-led coalition Building Partner Capacity training mission at Taji, northwest of Baghdad (New Zealand contributes 110 personnel at Taji). A Special Operations Task Group of 80 personnel is conducting an Advise and Assist mission in support of the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service based in Baghdad and deploying to forward operating bases when required.

The ADF is also conducting air missions against Daesh in Iraq and Syria. The Air Task Group conducting these air missions involves six Hornet fighter aircraft, a Wedgetail airborne control aircraft, an air-to-air refuelling aircraft, and up to 400 personnel.

Legal basis for operations in Iraq and Syria ADF operations in Iraq are conducted with the consent of the Government of Iraq.

ADF operations in Syria are conducted in the collective self-defence of Iraq. Operations are against Daesh only

Iraqi Government progress National cohesion within Iraq is undermined by deep sectarian divisions – the Daesh offensive is a Sunni insurgency within a country led by a Shi’a dominated central government. Iraq’s security forces possess a limited capacity to conduct offensive operations

Abadi plans to visit Australia in October 2015.

Coalition strategy in Iraq The coalition’s objective in Iraq is seeking to strengthen Iraq’s capacity to regain control of its own security, and the US continues to emphasise that the campaign needs to be conducted in a manner consistent with respect for Iraqi sovereignty. However, the pace of progress against Daesh has been slow, due to Daesh’s resilience,

, and the complex political and sectarian environment within Iraq.

While the US has focused on establishing a broad coalition in the fight against Daesh, a relatively small number of countries, including Australia, are supporting the military effort.

FOI 373/15/16 Item 28

FOI 373/15/16 Item 28

SECRET AUSTEO

SECRET AUSTEO

s. 33(a)(ii)s. 33(a)(ii)

s. 42(1), s. 33(a)(ii)

s. 33(a)(iii)

s. 33(a)(iii)s. 7 2A(6)

s. 33(a)(iii)

Reviews of operations in Iraq Both Australia and New Zealand are planning to conduct reviews of their contributions to the training mission at Taji early in 2016.

New Zealand’s training commitment does not have bipartisan political support. Both the Australian and New Zealand missions have been announced as two year commitments (to mid 2017).

. Bilateral coordination will remain important.

Progress in the AA mission will also be reviewed early in 2016. Iraq highly values Australia’s assistance to its Counter Terrorism Service. Australia has advised Iraq and the US that it will continue to support the Counter Terrorism Service in key areas. The Government has not placed any time constraints on this mission. The Government has also not agreed any time constraints or review points for Australia’s Air Task Group. At some point the duration of these commitments and conditions for drawdown will need to be considered.

Coalition strategy in Syria Government took the decision to participate in air operations against Daesh in Syria based on the assessment that Daesh will continue to attack and threaten Iraq from there. The situation in Syria is complex. There are multiple conflicts involving different players – including the Assad regime and numerous rebel groups – with different objectives and different regional and international backers. The prospects for a political or military solution are poor.

Russia has commenced a military

build-up in Syria in support of Assad, which has further complicated the environment. The US is undertaking initial steps to avoid an accidental confrontation with Russian forces.

Point of Contact Tom Hamilton, Assistant Secretary Global Interests, (w) 6265 3074 Departmental information valid as at: 21 September 2015

FOI 373/15/16 Item 28

FOI 373/15/16 Item 28

SECRET AUSTEO

SECRET AUSTEO

s. 33(a)(iii), s. 33(b)

s. 33(a)(iii), s. 33(b)

s. 33(a)(iii)

s. 33(a)(iii)

s. 22(1)(a)(ii)

s. 22(1)(a)(ii)




MRN: UN666524L Precedence: PRIORITY


SpecialHandling:

PrivacyMarkings:

Title: UNSC: Syria: Australian Article 51 notification

SUBJ: UNSC: Syria: Australian Article 51 notificationODIN TYPE: CATAMRN: UN666524L

START OF SUMMARY

Syria has written to the UN Security Council to claim that the UK,Australia and France are taking military measures against the SyrianArab Republic. Referring to the collective self-defencenotifications made under Article 51 UN Charter, Syria claims thethree countries have adopted a reading of Article 51 which is"blatantly inconsistent" with the Charter and UNSC resolutions. TheSyrian Mission has subsequently written again to the Council on theneed to coordinate relevant counter-terrorism efforts with theSyrian Government, and refers to the interventions in Syria by theUS, UK, France, Canada and Australia.

END OF SUMMARY

Syria's letters (in Arabic) plus English translations are attached.(Although Syria's first letter concerning the Article 51notifications was dated 17 September, it was not circulated to WEOG



UNCLASSIFIED

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FOI 373/15/16Item 29

FOI 373/15/16Item 29

members and post did not receive it until 24 September.)

The following objects were removed from the text:32830455.docx25909506.pdf87199002.pdf13578470.docx

FROM:UNNY/Julia O'brien

References: UN666435L,CE132342HTOPICS:* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Defence Policy* LEGAL/International Law* UNSC/General



UNCLASSIFIED

Printed by Atlantis BAE SYSTEMS Fri, 25 Sep 2015 08:42:28

FOI 373/15/16Item 29

FOI 373/15/16Item 29

To: LONDONOTTAWAPARIS EMBUN NEW YORKWASHINGTONHQJOCJOC AUS INTDATACABLES

Info: AMMANANKARABAGHDADGENEVA UNMIDDLE EAST POSTSUNSC POSTSVIENNA UNWELLINGTON




SpecialHandling:

PrivacyMarkings:

Title: UNSC: Syria: Criticism of Australian action

SUBJ: UNSC: Syria: Criticism of Australian actionODIN TYPE: CATAMRN: CE132845H

START OF SUMMARY

Thanks reftel conveying copies of Syria's letters to the UNSCcomplaining about coalition action against Daesh in Syria, includingAustralian airstrikes. Our initial view is that there would be noutility in getting drawn into a debate with Syria (and Russia) onthe legality of coalition action in Syria nor whether the coalitionshould be working with the Syrian regime. We would appreciate advicefrom action Posts of coalition partners' proposed response (if any)to the letters, including in their statements during UNGA Leaders'Week. Our initial talking points on the issue are attached.



CONFIDENTIAL


FOI 373/15/16Item 30

FOI 373/15/16Item 30

END OF SUMMARY

We note that if partners were minded to respond to the Syrianletters in writing, we would propose a coordinated response.

2. The attached initial talking points have been prepared inconsultation with AGD, Defence and PM&C.

3. For UNNY/Washington/Ottawa: We understand that no other lettershave been sent to the UNSC that might address the action of othercoalition partners in the same way the UK, Australia and France havebeen singled out in the 17 September letter. Grateful confirmation.

4. Noting staff absences in light of the public holiday thisweekend, we would appreciate it if advice could also be sent onSatin Low to Katrina Cooper, Marc Innes-Brown and Michael Bliss.

5. MAD and MPD were consulted in the preparation of this cable.

The following objects were removed from the text:150925 Daesh - Syria complains to UNSC.docx

FROM:CHCH/DFAT/LGD/ILB/Carrie McDougall

References: UN666524L,UN666435L,CE132342HTOPICS:* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Defence Policy* LEGAL/International Law* UNSC/General



CONFIDENTIAL


FOI 373/15/16Item 30

FOI 373/15/16Item 30


Info: AMMANANKARABAGHDADGENEVA UNLONDONMIDDLE EAST POSTSOTTAWAUN NEW YORKUNSC POSTSVIENNA UNWASHINGTONWELLINGTON

Originator: Paris EMB DTG: 260007Z SEP 15

MRN: PA27936H Precedence: PRIORITY


SpecialHandling:

PrivacyMarkings:

Title: UNSC: Syria: Criticism of Australian action: France

SUBJ: UNSC: Syria: Criticism of Australian action: FranceODIN TYPE: CATAMRN: PA27936H

START OF SUMMARY

END OF SUMMARY

Further to first reftel, on 25 September, we spoke toabout



CONFIDENTIAL


FOI 373/15/16Item 31

FOI 373/15/16Item 31

s. 33(b)

s. 33(a)(iii)

whether France was intending to respond to the Syrian letters of 17September and 21 September to the UNSC complaining about coalitionaction in Syria.

2.

.

FROM:PARI/Elizabeth Day

References: CE132845H,UN666524L,UN666435L,CE132342HTOPICS:* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Defence Policy* LEGAL/International Law* UNSC/General



CONFIDENTIAL


FOI 373/15/16Item 31

FOI 373/15/16Item 31

s. 33(a)(iii)

s. 33(b)


Info: AMMANANKARABAGHDADGENEVA UNMIDDLE EAST POSTSOTTAWAPARIS EMBUN NEW YORKUNSC POSTSVIENNA UNWASHINGTONWELLINGTON

Originator: London DTG: 260240Z SEP 15

MRN: LH44117H Precedence: PRIORITY


SpecialHandling:

PrivacyMarkings:

Title: UK: UNSC: Syria: Criticism of Australian action

SUBJ: UK: UNSC: Syria: Criticism of Australian actionODIN TYPE: CATAMRN: LH44117H

START OF SUMMARY



CONFIDENTIAL


FOI 373/15/16Item 32

FOI 373/15/16Item 32

s. 33(a)(iii), s. 33(b)

s. 33(b)

END OF SUMMARY

As instructed in reftel, we will also email this advice to thenominated contacts.

FROM:LHLH/Erika Thompson




CONFIDENTIAL


FOI 373/15/16Item 32

FOI 373/15/16Item 32


Info: AMMANANKARABAGHDADGENEVA UNLONDONMIDDLE EAST POSTSOTTAWAPARIS EMBUN NEW YORKUNSC POSTSVIENNA UNWELLINGTON

Originator: Washington DTG: 260620Z SEP 15

MRN: WH68813H Precedence: PRIORITY


SpecialHandling:

PrivacyMarkings:

Title: US: UNSC: Syria: Criticism of Australian action

SUBJ: US: UNSC: Syria: Criticism of Australian actionODIN TYPE: CATAMRN: WH68813H

START OF SUMMARY

As requested in first reftel, on 25 September we (Donovan) spoke toState Department Syria Legal Advisor Gilles,

Relevant missions in New York werediscussing the letter. We also spoke to the Presidential SpecialEnvoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL's Senior Advisor,



CONFIDENTIAL


FOI 373/15/16Item 33

FOI 373/15/16Item 33

s. 33(a)(iii), s. 33(b)

s33(b), s33(a)(iii)

Morrison. He thanked us for drawing the letter to his attention.

END OF SUMMARY

The following objects were removed from the text:150921 - UNSC doc 727 (2).docx

FROM:WHWH/Mark Donovan




CONFIDENTIAL


FOI 373/15/16Item 33

FOI 373/15/16Item 33

s33(a)(iii) s33(b)


Info: AMMANANKARABAGHDADGENEVA UNLONDONMIDDLE EAST POSTSPARIS EMBUN NEW YORKUNSC POSTSVIENNA UNWASHINGTONWELLINGTON

Originator: Ottawa DTG: 260723Z SEP 15

MRN: OT29380H Precedence: PRIORITY


SpecialHandling:

PrivacyMarkings:

Title: UNSC: Syria: Criticism of Australian action: Canada

SUBJ: UNSC: Syria: Criticism of Australian action: CanadaODIN TYPE: CATAMRN: OT29380H

START OF SUMMARY

END OF SUMMARY

Thanks reftel. On 25 September we spoke to

to seekadvice of Canada's response to Syria's letters to the UNSC.



CONFIDENTIAL


FOI 373/15/16Item 34

FOI 373/15/16Item 34

s33(a)(iii) s33(b)

s. 33(a)(iii)

2. had seen a copy of the 17 September letterreferring to the UK, Australia and France. In regard to the 21September letter which referred to the US, UK, Australia, France andCanada,

3..

4. understood the Canadian and Australian UNmissions were in contact on the issue.

5. We have sent similar advice on Satin Low as requested in reftel.

FROM:OTWA/Adrian Morrison

References: CE132845HTOPICS:* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Defence Policy* LEGAL/International Law* UNSC/General



CONFIDENTIAL


FOI 373/15/16Item 34

FOI 373/15/16Item 34

s. 33(a)(iii)

s. 33(a)(iii), s. 33(b)

s. 33(a)(iii)

s. 33(a)(iii)


Info: AMMANANKARABAGHDADGENEVA UNLONDONMIDDLE EAST POSTSOTTAWAPARIS EMBUNSC POSTSVIENNA UNWASHINGTONWELLINGTON


MRN: UN46777H Precedence: PRIORITY


SpecialHandling:

PrivacyMarkings:

Title: UNSC: Syria: Criticism of Australian action

SUBJ: UNSC: Syria: Criticism of Australian actionODIN TYPE: CATAMRN: UN46777H

START OF SUMMARY



CONFIDENTIAL


FOI 373/15/16Item 35

FOI 373/15/16Item 35

s. 33(a)(iii), s. 33(b)

END OF SUMMARY

As instructed (CE132845H), on 25 September, we (O'Brien) contactedthe Permanent Missions of Canada, France, UK and US as to whetherthey planned to respond to Syria's letters to the UN SecurityCouncil complaining about coalition action against Da'esh in Syria(UN666524L). We conveyed Australia's initial view that we did notsee utility in a response, but if there was to a response, it shouldbe a coordinated one.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.



CONFIDENTIAL


FOI 373/15/16Item 35

FOI 373/15/16Item 35

s. 33(a)(iii)

s. 33(a)(iii), s. 33(b)

s. 33(b)

s. 33(b)

s33(a)(iii) s33(b)

s33(a)(iii) s33(b)

s. 33(a)(iii)

7.

The following objects were removed from the text:150908 Syrian letter in response to UK - S_2015_690.pdf

FROM:UNNY/Julia O'Brien

References: OT29380H,WH68813H,LH44117H,PA27936H,CE132845H,UN666524L,UN666435L,CE132342HTOPICS:* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Defence Policy* LEGAL/International Law* UNSC/General



CONFIDENTIAL


FOI 373/15/16Item 35

FOI 373/15/16Item 35

s. 33(a)(iii)

s. 33(a)(iii)


Info: EUROPE POSTSJAKARTAKUALA LUMPURMIDDLE EAST POSTSOTTAWAWASHINGTONWELLINGTON

Originator: DTG: 282322Z SEP 15

MRN: AB62638H Precedence: ROUTINE


SpecialHandling:

PrivacyMarkings:

Title: : Australian Government decision to extend air strik

SUBJ: : Australian Government decision to extend air strikODIN TYPE: CATAMRN: AB62638H

LONG TITLE: Australian Government decision to extend airstrikes against Daesh to Syria

START OF SUMMARY

Post conveyed the Australian Government's decision to extendAustralia's military air operations against Daesh to Syria,

END OF SUMMARY



CONFIDENTIAL


FOI 373/15/16Item 36

FOI 373/15/16Item 36

s33(a)(iii) s33(b)

s33(a)(iii) s33(b)

s33(a)(iii) s33(b)

s33(a)(iii) s33(b)

s33(a)(iii) s33(b)

Thanks reftel. Post conveyed the Australian Government's decisionto extend Australia's military air operations against Daesh to Syriathrough both diplomatic and military channels.

FROM:

References: CE811500L,AB62623H,AB62626HTOPICS:* IMMIGRATION & ENTRY CONTROL/Refugees



CONFIDENTIAL


FOI 373/15/16Item 36

FOI 373/15/16Item 36

s33(a)(iii) s33(b)

s33(a)(iii) s33(b)

* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Defence Policy* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Terrorism



CONFIDENTIAL


FOI 373/15/16Item 36

FOI 373/15/16Item 36




MRN: UN666544L Precedence: ROUTINE


SpecialHandling:

PrivacyMarkings:

Title: Syria: Putin claims Australian airstrikes illegal

SUBJ: Syria: Putin claims Australian airstrikes illegalODIN TYPE: CATAMRN: UN666544L

START OF SUMMARY

In Remarks to the media in New York on 29 September, RussianPresident Putin described Australian, French and US airstrikestargeting ISIL in Syria as illegal, noting there was neither aSecurity Council resolution authorising the use of force in Syria,nor a corresponding request from the "official authorities" inDamascus. Putin said, by contrast, that coalition attacks againstISIS targets inside Iraq were "understandable from the point of viewof international law because there was a request from the IraqiGovernment".

END OF SUMMARY

A full transcript of President Putin's remarks is attached.



UNCLASSIFIED

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FOI 373/15/16Item 37

FOI 373/15/16Item 37

The following objects were removed from the text:Putin Press Conference - 29 September 2015.docx

FROM:UNNY/Gareth Williams

TOPICS:* INTERNATIONAL SECURITY/Defence Policy* LEGAL/International Law* UNSC/General



UNCLASSIFIED

Printed by Atlantis BAE SYSTEMS Mon, 22 Aug 2016 12:08:23

FOI 373/15/16Item 37

FOI 373/15/16Item 37

Documents

s. 33(a)(ii) s. 33(a)(iii) - Kellie Tranterkellietranter.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Syria.pdf · pcd fas-pcd, as-pmb, as-scb cpd as-saa lgd sla mpd fas-mpd, as-iob, as-utf, utf,