Australia set for 'years' of military action against Daesh

Australia's role in the fight against so-called Daesh in the Middle East could last "years", Foreign Minster Julie Bishop has said, according to the BBC.

The remarks came after the Australian government said its aircraft would participate in missions against Daesh in Syria.

Previously its jets were only flying missions against the militant group in Iraq as part of the US-led coalition.

Australia has also sent soldiers to help train and advise Iraq's army.

Bishop told local media Australia was committed to destroying the militant group.

"We've always spoken about our involvement in Iraq in terms of years, not months or days," she said.

Defense Minister Kevin Andrews told ABC the country's role in the Middle East conflict would last "two or three years, I can't say in exact terms".

The Australian air force has been bombing Daesh targets in Iraq for about 12 months, but the US last month asked Australia to help pursue targets in Syria.

Source: MENA