'Incorrect' SAS is in combat

Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee has rejected reports elite New Zealand troops are playing a combat role in northern Iraq.

Gerry Brownlee
Gerry Brownlee

"I am not going to discuss operational details. However, it is incorrect to say we have SAS calling in airstrikes, or involved in any other combat operations in Iraq,'' Mr Brownlee said yesterday afternoon.

British newspaper The Guardian reported on Thursday night that British, Australian and New Zealand SAS were all active in northern Iraq.

They were working with US forces, the report said, "where they have been calling in airstrikes to support both Kurdish and Iraqi advances''.

"Their role at the front line has not been well documented, however.''

Mr Brownlee reiterated Prime Minister John Key's previous public statements on the issue, saying the Government had ruled out sending SAS or any troops into combat roles in Iraq.

"We have also been clear that special forces could be deployed for short periods - for example, to provide advice on issues like force protection or to help with high-profile visits, as they have many times before,'' Mr Brownlee said.

It is not clear whether the SAS is in the region in a non-combat capacity.

The minister has been asked for further comment.

New Zealand has about 140 troops at Taji Military base near Baghdad, where they are training Iraqi forces and federal police behind the wire.

The two-year deployment was extended for another 18 months in June.

A small number of New Zealand troops are also stationed at Besmeya military base, 52km from Taji.

In February, the United States asked all countries, including New Zealand, to consider sending special forces to assist the fight against Islamic State (Isis).

Mr Key declined the US request, which came from Secretary of Defence Ash Carter.

"We don't see that fitting with what we are doing,'' he told reporters at the time. 

Visiting to talk security

Counter-terrorism strategies and the Middle East conflicts are on Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop's agenda during a two-day visit to New Zealand.

Ms Bishop met Foreign Minister Murray McCully yesterday and will again today in Auckland.

The two foreign ministers will also discuss development challenges in the Pacific region and the prospects of a single economic market.

Ms Bishop will meet the Australian women's and men's rugby teams - the Wallaroos and the Wallabies - before their double-header at Eden Park today. 

- NZ Herald and NZN

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