ISTANBUL: Australia has chosen ambiguity over the reported dispatch of troops to the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict initiated by the US and Israel against Iran, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
While the government has revealed that it responded to a request from the United Arab Emirates by dispatching a military plane, Canberra has refused to confirm the deployment of troops.
"We don't comment on the movements of our special forces, but let me be absolutely clear: we are not having boots on the ground in Iran, and we've made that very clear from the outset of this conflict,” Defence Minister Richard Marles told reporters on Friday (April 3).
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated since the US and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran on Feb 28.
Tehran retaliated, targeting US military bases and other assets in the Gulf region.
Marles did not directly answer questions regarding a media report that the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) has been deployed to Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE.
"The government's posture is to provide support to the countries of the Gulf. We've responded to a request from the United Arab Emirates; our E-7 Wedgetail is in the region providing that support, but we are not having boots on the ground in Iran,” he said.
The Australian tabloid Herald Sun reported on Thursday that a small contingent of around 90 SAS members was sent to the the Middle East two weeks ago.
According to the report, the soldiers most likely travelled to the Al Minhad Air Base in southern Dubai.
Communications Minister Anika Wells also did not rule out reports that Australia had sent elite special forces troops to the Middle East when asked on ABC News Breakfast on Friday.
"I want to reassure Australians, we are not involved in offensive action overseas in Iran,” she said.
"Obviously, the specifics of when and where assets are deployed in the region, as you would imagine, are operational, and I can’t comment on them,” Wells added.
The situation in the Middle East has deteriorated since the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on Feb 28, killing more than 1,340 people so far, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global energy markets.
At least 13 US servicemen have been killed and dozens of others wounded in the ongoing conflict. - Bernama-Anadolu
