BREAKING: Abbott announces Australian airstrikes in Iraq

Australian fighter planes are now authorised to begin airstrikes into Iraq as part of the international campaign against the terror group ISIL.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott today announced cabinet had authorised the attacks “at the request of the Iraqi government”.

“As a peaceful nation, Australia is often reluctant to reach out to conflicts half way around the globe – but sometimes these conflicts reach out to us,” he said.

“ISIL has effectively declared war on the world.”

Mr Abbott said Cabinet had confirmed the combat deployment earlier today, as well as the deployment of Australian special forces into Iraq to “advise and assist” Iraqi troops.