Australia assumes command of sanctions fleet

Australia has assumed command from the US of an international naval fleet enforcing sanctions on Iraq in the northern Gulf.

The change in command will allow US personnel and ships to take part in other operations in the region, said Australian Defence Force spokesman Brigadier Gary Bornholt.

Brig Bornholt said the commander of the Royal Australian Navy task group, Captain Allan Du Toit, will direct operations in the Gulf aboard a US warship.

The main task of the force is to intercept vessels that may attempt to break the blockade imposed as part of a sanctions regime against Iraq since its invasion of Kuwait in 1990.