The Australian Defence Force (ADF) says the Iraqi army is using
historical sites, hospitals and even humans to hide their
armoury.
It has used the example of the ancient relic of Ctesiphon to show how the
Iraqis make use of cultural icons in the war.
The ADF says in March, Iraqi forces parked their vehicles in strategic
places on the site knowing it is protected under the Hague
Convention.
As the navy prepares to send HMAS Sydney to the Gulf to replace
HMAS Anzac and HMAS Darwin, the ADF has tried to give
assurances that full preparations are underway to vaccinate personnel for
anthrax.
The navy is investigating claims by some sailors on HMAS Kanimbla
that they were coerced into taking anthrax jabs after they left
Australia
Analysts warn of global security disaster
1-04-2003
Most analysts believe the Americans will ultimately win the war against
Iraq, but the big question is just how they'll manage the country once
their objective is obtained. Some of Australia's most senior strategic
analysts say the conflict could, in fact, extend beyond Iraq's borders
and produce an international security
disaster. [Watch the
video]
Suicide bombers hailed as heroes
31-03-2003
A suicide bombing, which killed four American Marines in the Iraqi city
of Najaf, may be the first in a series of suicide attacks against
coalition forces. Iraqi officials are using the
language of Jihad, describing the
attackers as heroes and martyrs. [Watch the
video]
ADF spokesman Brigadier Mike Hannan says it is not just cultural sites
that are used as shields.
"It is absolutely a tactic and I mean it reflects in all sorts of
ways ... the use of hospitals, the use of civilian shields, the use of
troops dressed in civilian clothes and travelling in civilian vehicles
and then mounting a surprise attack, this is all consistent
behaviour," he said.
As the navy prepares to send HMAS Sydney to the Gulf to replace
HMAS Anzac and HMAS Darwin, the ADF has tried to give
assurances that full preparations are underway to vaccinate personnel for
anthrax.
The navy is investigating claims by some sailors on HMAS Kanimbla
that they were coerced into taking anthrax jabs after they left
Australia.
