Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee has rejected reports elite New Zealand troops are playing a combat role in northern Iraq. However, it is incorrect to say we have SAS calling in airstrikes, or involved in any other combat operations in Iraq,'' Mr Brownlee said yesterday afternoon. British newspaper The Guardian reported on Thursday night that British, Australian and New Zealand SAS were all active in northern Iraq. Mr Brownlee reiterated Prime Minister John Key's previous public statements on the issue, saying the Government had ruled out sending SAS or any troops into combat roles in Iraq. A small number of New Zealand troops are also stationed at Besmeya military base, 52km from Taji.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 21, 2016 20:03 UTC