Defense Chief Confirms Afghan Militia In Australia

Australia's defense chief confirmed that Afghan militia fighters were secretly flown to Australia to train with its special forces.

The head of the Australian Defense Force, Air Marshall Angus Houston, said that six fighters allied to warlord Matiullah Khan trained last week at Australian bases to strengthen military operations against the Taliban.

The training was first reported by "The Sydney Morning Herald" newspaper.

Houston told reporters that the militiamen would be "fighting side by side with our special forces when we do the next deployment." Further details haven't been disclosed.

compiled from agency reports