The troops had destroyed Iraqi military camps and had gained significant intelligence about Iraqi troop movements and intentions, said Leahy, who was quoted by the Australian Associated Press as saying.

"The operations they have been conducting have provided invaluable information on enemy movements, on bases and on likely intentions," said Leahy, adding "Special forces have been active destroying enemy installations either using their own resources, or directing coalition air support for destruction mission."

Describing the Australian forces' operation as "shoot and scoot," he said, "They are generally creating havoc and uncertainty behind lines, and are constantly redeploying in their area of operations."

Leahy said the squadron of 14 F/A-18 Hornets had been engaged in new defensive and strike missions over Iraq overnight while the navy was finding and destroying mines in the port city of Umm Qasr.

(Xinhua News Agency March 25, 2003)