Islamic State still retains strongholds in the
Middle East despite the liberation of 90 per cent of territory once held
by the terrorist group, Defence Minister Marise Payne has warned
parliament.
Senator Payne updated the upper
house on Monday after Iraqi and coalition forces liberated the Iraqi
city of Tal Afar in August, insisting it was vital IS was defeated in
Iraq and Syria to deny it a base of operations and a narrative of
success.
"We know that fleeing Daesh fighters
will seek refuge and a new base of operation somewhere around the world
and our region is vulnerable," she said.
