Australia has committed 2,000 troops to the Gulf

Defence officials said the special forces' role would be to identify troop movements and military targets.

Australia has committed 2,000 troops to the Middle East, including 150 elite SAS commandos, along with fighter jets and warships, in the country's largest military deployment since the Vietnam War.

At a briefing in Canberra, defence spokesman Brigadier Mike Hannan said the Australian navy was also boarding vessels in the Gulf in the hunt for any escaping Iraqi officials.

Australian forces 2,000 troops: including 150 special forces Australian frigates HMAS Anzac HMAS Darwin and HMAS Kanimbla Squadron of FA-18 Hornet jets Three Hercules transport aircraft Small specialist team for chemical and biological defence

Australia's involvement in the conflict has sparked mass demonstrations by peace activists across the nation.

The spokesman gave few specific details on the SAS forces, but he did say their mission would include long-range reconnaissance and surveillance operations.

They would be "seeking detailed information on such things as enemy troop movements, identifying targets such as key military installations", he said.

Australia's Defence Minister, Robert Hill, said Australian FA-18 Hornet fighters have also been on the front-line protecting US aircraft.

The minister said the squadron had completed successful missions and morale was high. There are no reports of any Australian casualties.

Australia's decision to take part in the war in Iraq has infuriated the public.

Thousands of protesters gathered in Melbourne on Friday.

The demonstration followed marches by tens of thousands of people across Australia on Thursday.