Australian fighter jets have made their first strike against Islamic State militants in Iraq where a US-led coalition is engaged in a fierce bombing campaign to weaken the group.
Australia and Oceania
Green balls in a scenic beach
Hundreds of strange, spongy green balls washed up on a scenic beach in Australia.
Australia joins coalition air strikes in Iraq
Australian fighter jets have been authorized to participate in a US-led airstrike against Islamic State insurgents in Iraq.
Australia defense chief apologizes after race-based assault claim withdrawn
SYDNEY Fri Sep 26, 2014 12:32am EDT (Reuters) – The head of Australia‘s Defense Force apologized on Friday after an officer withdraw allegations he had been attacked by two men “of Middle Eastern appearance”, allegations that had fueled tensions during a crackdown by counter-terrorism authorities. The officer had claimed he was approached on Thursday by two men who assaulted him, causing minor bruising, according to police. But Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin said the 41-year-old […]
Australia police launch massive “counter-terrorism” raids
More than 800 heavily armed Australian police carried out sweeping anti-terror raids in Sydney and Brisbane to prevent unspecified acts of violence against random members of the public.
Australia raises terror threat level to “high”
Australia raised its terror alert to high from medium.
U.S. to bolster air, navy activity in northern Australia: source
SYDNEY Mon Aug 11, 2014 9:29pm EDT (Reuters) – The United States will bolster its air and navy presence in northern Australia, a source said on Tuesday, under a plan to strengthen defense ties with its regional ally and project more power into the Asia-Pacific, where China’s influence is growing. U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Secretary of State John Kerry are in Sydney to finalize an agreement reached between U.S. President Barack Obama and […]
Australia increases support for poverty reduction
Australia is increasing its support to the Philippines to ensure that poor Filipinos can access essential social services. Deputy Secretary Ewen McDonald of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)’s and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s Secretary Corazon ‘Dinky’ Soliman today launched Australia’s support for improving access of poor municipalities to early learning and education through community-led approach by providing Php 487 million (A$12.2 million) to the Philippines National Community […]
DFA confirms 17 Filipinos in hijacked oil tanker in New Guinea
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that there are 17 Filipino seamen in the hi-jacked Greek oil tanker off the coast of Guinea.
Australia Permits Dumping of Dredged Mud Near Great Barrier Reef
Australia green lights the dumping of dredged mud near the Great Barrier Reef to open up the world’s largest coal port.