The federal government is refusing to confirm or deny reports that it has secretly deployed about 90 SAS troops to the Middle East. Defence Minister Richard Marles stated, “We don’t comment on the movements of our special forces,” maintaining a long-standing policy of secrecy around elite troop movements.
The troops are reportedly stationed at Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, likely on standby to assist with evacuations of Australians if needed. Former SAS leader Bob Hunter noted that such preparations are routine, referencing past operations in Cambodia, East Timor, and the Pacific.
The Greens have criticised the government’s silence, with Senator David Shoebridge arguing that the deployment suggests the government expects the situation to worsen and is not being transparent with the public. The government has denied any broader combat role, with Marles insisting, “We’re not having boots on the ground in Iran.”
Australia has already deployed an E-7 Wedgetail surveillance aircraft with about 85 personnel to provide defensive support to the UAE. Shoebridge noted that the Wedgetail has been providing targeting information to US Central Command. The government’s distinction between defensive and offensive operations may become harder to maintain as reports indicate the UAE is willing to join military action in the region.
