Operation OKRA – ADF Airstrikes for the period 18 – 30 April 2017

Over the period 18-30 April 2017, Air Task Group strike operations focused on supporting Iraqi Security Force operations to clear and secure Mosul from Daesh forces, with a focus on the West Mosul area.

On 18 Apr, Australian F/A-18 Homets supported Iraqi forces in contact with Daesh elements during operations in Mosul. The Australian aircraft struck multiple Daesh fighting positions with precision guided munitions during several hours of support.

On 21 Apr, Australian F/A-18 Homets supported Iraqi forces in contact with Daesh elements during operations in Mosul. The Australian aircraft struck multiple Daesh fighting positions and ground lines of communication with precision guided munitions during several hours of support.

On 23 Apr, Australian F/A-18 Homets supported Iraqi forces in contact with Daesh elements during operations in Mosul. The Australian aircraft struck a Daesh fighting position and a ground line of communication with precision guided munitions during several hours of support.

On 24 Apr, Australian F/A-18 Homets supported Iraqi forces during operations in Mosul. The Australian aircraft struck one Daesh fighting position with a precision guided munition during several hours of support.

On 25 Apr, Australian F/A-18 Homets supported Iraqi forces in contact with Daesh elements during operations in Mosul. The Australian aircraft stmck one Daesh fighting position with a precision guided munition during several hours of support.

On 26 Apr, Australian F/A-18 Homets supported Iraqi forces during operations in Mosul. The Australian aircraft struck a Daesh heavy weapon site with precision guided munitions during several hours of support.

On 30 Apr, Australian F/A-18 Homets supported Iraqi forces during operations in Mosul. The Australian aircraft stmck one Daesh weapons cache site with a precision guided munition during several hours of support.

All ADF personnel comply with International Law and limitations designed to protect coalition forces and minimise the risk to civilians.

Prior to any air strike, Australia’s Air Task Group undertakes a detailed and robust mission planning effort that includes approvals from Australian and Iraqi authorities. Once a mission is complete and the aircraft have returned a thorough review of each individual weapon strike is conducted to ensure that it was consistent with pre-strike approvals. If an issue is identified in this review or a credible claim of civilian casualties is made an assessment will be undertaken by the Air Task Group commander and formally reported through the chain of command.

The ADF “provides limited details concerning strike operations conducted under Operation OKRA in an effort to strike a balance between transparency, accountability and operations security.”

The ADF has deployed an Air Task Group to the Middle East Region as part of Operation OKRA. The Air Task Group includes strike, airborne early warning and control and aerial refuelling aircraft. Further details on the Operation OKRA commitment can be found at www.defence.sov. au/Operations/Okra/ATG.asp