CANBERRA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has told the Chief of the Defence Force to protect Australian troops and diplomats in Iraq.
Morrison said on Wednesday that he has directed Angus Campbell, the Chief of the Defence Force, to take "whatever actions are necessary" to "protect and defend" Australians in the region.
Australia currently has 450 personnel deployed in the Middle East as part of an international effort to combat the Islamic State terror threat, according to The Australian report.
"I've been advised and have been in regular contact today with the CDF General Campbell about the rocket attacks that have occurred in Iraq," Morrison told reporters.
"The CDF has been able to confirm to me at this point that all Australian diplomatic personnel and all ADF personnel are safe, but it is obviously a very fluid situation," he said.
The National Security Committee of the Cabinet will meet on Thursday morning to take further decisions, potentially including an Australian pullout from the country, according to local media report.
