Fed: Australia "lucky" not to have more troop casualties in Iraq

AAP General News (Australia)
12-06-2007
Fed: Australia "lucky" not to have more troop casualties in Iraq

A senior defence force officer says Australian troops have been lucky not to suffer
more casualties in Iraq.

But Major-General MARK EVANS .. commander of Australian operations in the Middle East
.. says it's up to the federal government to decide whether to withdraw troops from there.

Prime Minister KEVIN RUDD plans to withdraw 500 combat troops from Iraq next year ..

but Major-General EVANS says statistics show there's been a drop in violence during the
past six months.

He's also told ABC radio we've been lucky to avoid too many casualties .. and that's
because our forces are well trained.

He says he doesn't view the planned withdrawal in terms of numbers .. but instead what
effect soldiers are having on the region.





In Afghanistan .. three Australian soldiers have died in the past three months.

AAP RTV kc/rl/jec/ibw

KEYWORD: IRAQ AUST (CANBERRA)

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.