Australia and New Zealand troops could team up once again to fight the militants of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria after 100 years since the ANZAC alliance was forged in World War I. ANZAC Day is a national holiday in Australia and New Zealand in commemoration of those who died in conflicts and wars while serving their nation. While Australian troops are already in Iraq to take on advisory roles to help train Iraqi forces to fight ISIS, New Zealand has yet to decide whether it wants to send its own troops.

According to TVNZ, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has spoken to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott about the idea of troops from both countries joining together to fight ISIS. Corin Dann, One News political editor, said there was a "bit of enthusiasm" for the idea, following recent post-Cabinet press conference. However, he believes the two leaders may have already discussed the numbers.

It has been previously reported that Australia has sent up to 400 troops while Mr Key indicated he would be sending between 40 and 100 forces from New Zealand. The recent discussion of troop movement comes after the New Zealand government has pushed for the approval of an anti-terror legislation aimed to stop local supporters of ISIS. Reports of Te Amorangi Kireka-Whaanga, a Kiwi group allegedly supporting ISIS, has prompted the government to pass new anti-terror laws before Christmas.

Meanwhile, Attorney General George Brandis denies claims that changes in Australia's counter-terrorism laws will open the possibility to target and kill Australian supporters fighting for ISIS. Responding to questions from the media, Brandis claimed it was "preposterous" and said it was not intended to target certain people.

Australia Greens senator Scott Ludlam voiced out his concerns over fears that the sharing of information about suspected Australians fighting alongside ISIS in Iraq would allow the government to target such citizens. The bill being debated in the Senate would allow the Australian Secret Intelligence Service to assist the Australian Defence Force and share information in support of military operations, The Guardian reported.

In recent weeks, the U.S.-led coalition has stepped up its campaign against ISIS by increasing the number of airstrikes to over 1,000 since operations began on Aug 8. According to Pentagon officials, the U.S. flew 843 of the airstrikes, while coalition warplanes took charge of the 163. A total of 2,300 ISIS targets were hit as several coalition allies like Australia, Canada, Britain, Denmark, France, The Netherlands and Belgium have agreed to conduct airstrikes in Iraq.