Australia sends elite force on Afghan mission

The remaining contingent of 120 Australian elite troops left today for the Persian Gulf to join the US-led campaign in Afghanistan…

The remaining contingent of 120 Australian elite troops left today for the Persian Gulf to join the US-led campaign in Afghanistan, Australian Defence Minister Mr Robert Hill said.

An initial group of 30 Special Air Service (SAS) troops left Australia last week for the Gulf.

For security reasons, details of operations or missions and where they may be conducted cannot be provided, Mr Hill said in a statement.

Australia has promised to deploy 1,550 military personnel - including the 150 SAS troops, four fighter aircraft, three frigates and two refuelling aircraft - to join the US-led action in Afghanistan.