Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott approved the deployment of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) fighter jets to join the U.S.-led airstrikes in Iraq against the Islamic State (ISIS), also known as Daesh.

In addition to the RAAF fighter jets, the Australian government committed 200 special force advisers to help Iraq ground troops in their mission against ISIS.

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However, Australia will not participate in independent military operations, Stuff.co.nz detailed.

The Australian Defence Force is reportedly planning to begin its air missions on Sunday. Abbott announced on Friday that the cabinet authorized the anti-ISIS trikes upon Iraq's request.

Abbott warned that the Iraq mission could take weeks to months, and that it is quite dangerous. However, it needs to be done to "disrupt and degrade" ISIS movement both in Australia and abroad.

The Australian forces will follow strict rules in the operation and will only "advise and assist" in the campaign, Abbott explained.

When asked about having civilian casualties as a result of the mission, the Australian PM acknowledged that they cannot guarantee zero "collateral damage." However, they will strive to minimize the danger to civilians and Australian forces in Iraq, Abbott said.

"I can say though that the Australian armed forces never ever deliberately target civilians," Abbott assured.

Australia will deploy up to eight Super Hornet fighters for the air raids, in addition to the bomber jets already launched by the U.S., UK and France.

The U.S. has already conducted over 200 airstrikes in Iraq to date and has begun expanding the mission into Syria.

As part of the U.S.-initiated strategy against ISIS, Iraqi and Kurdish ground forces will support the strikes. Australia and other Western forces will also provide additional training and advice to the said ground troops.

There are indications that the airstrikes against ISIS have been effective. The mission has stopped them from moving freely about on open ground, the report stated.

Tagspolitics, War Conflict, Iraq-United States relations, Australian Defence Force, Royal Australian Air Force