Australia is sending an additional 450 troops to Iraq. Prime Minister John Howard announced that the new force will be deployed as security for Japanese engineers working in southern Iraq.
Australia already has about 950 troops stationed with the American-led coalition.
In making the announcement — which was unexpected — Howard said he knew the move would be “unpopular with many.” Yet, the decision by the Dutch government to remove its 1,400 soldiers creates a gap in the coalition deployment.
Prime Minister Howard is considered to be one of President George W. Bush’s closest allies.
Meanwhile, suicide bombers killed at least 30 Iraqis who were celebrating the holy day of ‘Ashura. Targets included a bus, mosques, funerals and religious processions.