Aussies Sting Saddam

Australian F/A-18 Hornet fighter-bombers have dropped 2,000-pound laser-guided bombs on Iraqi Republican Guard units on the road to Baghdad. Defence Force personnel Friday said the fighter aircraft were engaged in defensive and offensive attacks to help capture the capital.

The attacks occurred over the past 48 hours, in support of US army in its advance on Baghdad. "They have conducted counter-air strike and defensive missions," Brigadier Mike Hannan (ADF) said of the F/A-18s, which have been engaged in air attacks for seven consecutive days. "The strike missions were aimed at enemy military targets and close air support was provided after aircraft were redirected from defensive counter-air tasks." The main coalition air effort is dedicated to attacking the fierce Republican Guard, which is protecting Baghdad to the south.

Other Hornets carrying 500-pound laser-guided bombs conducted counter-air tasks protecting allied aircraft. One was diverted to assist with offensive strikes against the Guard, among the most loyal of Saddam Hussein's troops.

No More Troops For Now

Prime Minister John Howard Friday ruled out committing any more troops to the conflict, even as the US prepare to deploy a further 130,000 by the end of April. Howard also said the military operation was going "extremely well." Brigadier Hannan refused to be drawn on whether Australian military chiefs were concerned about the strong resistance from Iraqi troops.

FMI: www.defence.gov.au, www.centcom.mil