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New Zealand military aircraft to be deployed to Middle East

Xinhua, March 28, 2017 Adjust font size:

The New Zealand military is to deploy a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to the Middle East to help in operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries, Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said Tuesday.

The aircraft was deploying in response to a request from the Australian Defence Force to provide additional capacity during a period of high operational tempo, Brownlee said in a statement.

"I am pleased the New Zealand Defence Force can provide this assistance, considering the significant support we receive from the Australian Defence Force in Iraq and New Zealand's other deployments in the region," Brownlee said.

"The aircraft will carry out logistics flights in support of New Zealand and Australian operations, including carrying people, equipment and supplies to Iraq, Afghanistan, South Sudan and the Sinai Peninsula," he said.

"The deployment will involve up to 30 personnel from early May to late June 2017 and is the fourth time a New Zealand Defence Force C-130 Hercules has been deployed to the region to carry out logistics support flights."

New Zealand and Australian forces together operate a camp to train Iraqi troops at Taji, just north of Baghdad. Endit