Australia to widen scope of air war against Islamic StateSeptember 1, 2016 - 17:09 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Australia is to start targeting jihadist support and logistics resources in Iraq and Syria, as it broadens the scope of its air war on the Islamic State group, officials said Thursday, September 1, according to AFP. The staunch U.S. ally has some 780 defense personnel in the Middle East supporting its operation against IS and has been active in Iraq for months. Many are based in Iraq with 400 attached to the Air Task Group flying six F/A-18 Hornets on bombing missions. Late last year Australia also started carrying out air strikes against IS targets in Syria as part of a 60-nation, US-led coalition. Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin said that domestic laws needed to be updated to allow his pilots to attack support and logistics targets, as they were currently limited to "only target those Daesh (IS) forces that are taking a direct and active part in hostilities". He said the amendments were also necessary to protect defense force personnel at risk of being prosecuted domestically for their actions against IS if courts "take a narrower interpretation of Australia's obligations under international law." The legal changes would allow the defense force "to target Daesh at its core, joining with our coalition partners to target and kill a broader range of Daesh combatants, which is consistent with international law", Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told parliament in Canberra, AFP says. He also confirmed his administration would soon put forward legislation, first announced in July, to keep high-risk jihadists in detention beyond the completion of their sentences and to tighten control orders that aim to prevent an attack by limiting a person's movements, communications and activities. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |