BAGHDAD: The death of a senior Islamic State commander in an attack by Australian jet fighters in Iraq has been hailed as a significant step. 
It's been revealed an RAAF Hornet bomber destroyed an IS, or Daesh, base in Anbar province in early   July, killing the battalion commander and 15 fighters. "This leader controlled Daesh operations in an area of western Iraq and directed attack planning and execution by Daesh forces," Chief of Joint Operations David Johnston said yesterday.
The commander, who Defence has declined to identify, co-ordinated fighters and supplies in the region seen by coalition forces as a priority area to seize back."The removal ... of this individual has caused significant disruption and degradation to Daesh offensive operations," Vice Admiral Johnston said, adding it would also make it safer for Iraqi forces.