By Xinhua,
Canberra : More than 130 Brisbane-based soldiers finally arrived home in Brisbane in east Australia with family and friends welcoming them back at the Brisbane International Airport early Monday morning.
Australian Associated Press reported the troops were the first major contingent of the Australian troops based in the province of Shi Qar in Iraq to return since Australia officially ceased its combat role in Iraq last week.
They were due to arrive in Brisbane around 3 on Sunday afternoon but their return was delayed after a bird struck an engine of their plane. The troops were grounded in Darwin until the Army was able to organize a new chartered flight.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd last week announced the soldiers would be honored with a welcome home parade in Brisbane on June 28.