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Australia's Iraqi footprint to get larger under expanded training mission

Xinhua, July 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

Australia's footprint in Iraq is set to become larger as its training mandate is expanded to include the fledgling nation's federal and local law enforcement agencies.

In a joint press conference with visiting U.S. Vice President Joe Biden in Sydney on Tuesday, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said one of the most important objectives now in Iraq is to make sure peace is maintained once the security forces have liberated areas from Islamic State.

Australia's current program is restricted to training the Iraqi security forces in their counter-terrorism operations, but Biden said the close ally is up to the task.

"Your folks are the best trainers in the world," Biden told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday, adding the current training operations were "part of the reason why (counter terrorism forces) succeeded in Ramadi."

A significant number of police is needed to stay behind to help reconstruct and ensure safety and security in areas that have been liberated from Islamic State forces, thus the invitation by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi for Australia to expand its operation, Biden said.

"He understands your guys and women are the best in the world," Biden said.

"I can't tell you how much your commitment is appreciated." Endit