Eight Australian fighter jets to strike ISIS in Iraq.
Australia has become the ninth country to join the fight against violent extremists in Iraq.
Alan Porritt / AAP
The Prime Minister Tony Abbott made the announcement on Friday, committing eight F/A-18F Super Hornets and two support aircraft to the US-led mission against ISIS militants that started last month.
"This is not a decision the Government has taken lightly. Ultimately it is Iraq that must defeat ISIL, but it cannot do it alone," said Mr Abbott.
The Australian military joins the US, UK and France and a coalition of Arab countries including, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, Qatar and Bahrain , in the bombing campaign against who Mr Abbott called "an apocalyptic death cult".
About 200 special forces troops will also be on hand for an "advise and assist" role with Iraqi security forces.
Mr Abbott warned the Australian public that the "humanitarian mission" could take many months; repeating twice, "we will be there for as long as is necessary. But for no longer than we need to be."
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