Australia Sending More Troops To Iraq

13 July 2004 -- Australia today announced it is sending 30 more troops to Iraq to protect its diplomats and military instructors already engaged in reconstruction in the country.

Defense Minister Robert Hill said the extra troops -- along with six more armored vehicles -- will give Australian forces greater flexibility and reduce their reliance on U.S. forces. He said the additional deployment means Australia will have about 880 personnel in and around Iraq.

Hill said the soldiers and vehicles will be deployed as early as this week.

Reuters/AFP)