Australia's involvement in the Iraq War 2003 to 2013

Australia's involvement

The Iraq War had its origins in the First Gulf War of 1990 and 1991. During that conflict, Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait and were driven out by an international coalition that included Australia. The coalition’s operation ended at Kuwait’s border with Iraq, and Hussein remained in power in Iraq. Ten years later, after the 2001 terrorist attacks in the US, senior politicians and military leaders seized the opportunity to intervene in Iraq.

At a meeting on 8 November 2002, the United Nations Security Council issued Resolution 1441 (2002). When Iraq failed to comply with its obligations by 17 March 2003, US senior political and military leaders and their allies took action. They planned to locate and destroy suspected weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), sever Iraq’s ties with terrorists and try to remove Saddam Hussein from power.

The US led a ‘coalition of the willing’ into Iraq under Multi-National Force–Iraq (MNF-I) on 20 March 2003. Within 3 weeks, Coalition forces had seized Baghdad and overthrown Hussein’s dictatorship. Operations in Iraq continued with a challenging campaign of nation-building and counterinsurgency to prevent Iraq from sliding into civil war.

The ADF deployed personnel from all 3 its services (Navy, Army and Air Force).

Australians served in the Iraq War under:

• Operation Bastille (deployment and preparation phase)
• Operation Falconer (offensive operations phase) from 18 March 2003 to 15 July 2003
• Operation Catalyst (post-offensive phase) from 16 July 2003 to 31 July 2009.

When Australia had withdrawn almost all its troops, the ADF maintained a small presence in Iraq through:

• Operation Kruger from 1 January 2009 to 9 August 2011
• Operation Riverbank from 21 July 2008 to 14 December 2013.

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Australian Army

The Australian Army deployed a Special Operations Task Group to the first 2 operations, Bastille and Falconer.

The task group included:

• a Special Air Services (SAS) contingent
• commandos
• incident response troops
• a combat services support group
• helicopters
• several armoured vehicles
• personal security detachments.

Then, in 2005, Australia contributed troops to the Al Muthanna Task Group. The battlegroup was deployed to Al Muthanna province to support Japanese engineers and provide trainers for the Iraqi military.

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Royal Australian Navy

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) had ships in the Persian Gulf before the war.

As part of the international Maritime Interception Force (MIF), the Navy was tasked with sanctions enforcement against Iraq. Australian naval personnel continued to play a significant role in the rest of the conflict.

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Royal Australian Air Force

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) carried out surveillance operations in support of the MIF.

During offensive operations, RAAF personnel provided close air support to coalition forces, flying in:

• escort and transport operations
• maritime patrols
• humanitarian supply missions.

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Withdrawal from Iraq

Following the main phase of combat, most ADF members returned home. Australia had fully withdrawn from Iraq by May 2011, along with all non-US coalition forces.

The US military withdrew all of its remaining forces on 18 December 2011, ending the Iraq War.

Some controversy surrounds the premise for the Iraq War. A US Senate report in 2004 found many pre-war statements about Iraqi WMDs were not supported by intelligence. By 2008, US-led inspections revealed that Iraq had stopped active production and stockpiling of WMDs.

Commemoration

Some 17,000 Australians have been issued the Iraq Medal for their service in Coalition operations during the war. We remember their service, and recognise their sacrifice and that of their families during a long and challenging conflict.

Tragically, 4 Australians lost their lives as a result of their service in the Iraq War. Their names are inscribed on the Australian War Memorial’s Roll of Honour.

On 25 April each year, we observe Anzac Day. On that day, Australians honour those who served in all wars and conflicts, humanitarian and peace operations, and all who serve in the uniform of Australia’s armed forces.

On 11 November each year, we observe Remembrance Day. A day when Australians come together to honour those who have died or suffered in all wars, conflicts, humanitarian and peace operations.

The Australian War Memorial held an exhibition in 2004 called Australians in Iraq 2003. Redevelopment of the Australian War Memorial will include recognition and commemoration of the Iraq War as a new gallery. Learn more about the planned development.