Fighters of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria or ISIS, ran into civilian areas after seeing Australian forces. According to the Defence department, Australian Super Hornet fighters have withdrawn from a potential strike with ISIS as target for fear of hitting civilians.

Australian Defence chiefs revealed in a media briefing that Australian forces were tracking the target, but triggered the "red card" system that indicates a cancellation of any strike. ISIS fighters running towards the safety of civilian areas on Australia's first day of combat operations may be a preview of future encounters. ISIS militants adapt to bombing raids by coalition forces.

Chief of Join Operations and Vice Admiral David Johnston said Australian forces abandoned the target to protect civilians. The Super Hornet team was tasked to provide aerial cover to Iraq forces battling on the ground, reports said.

Johnston said one of the fighter jets had identified a target which was moving to a populated area. The vice admiral added that conducting a strike in a civilian area would only increase collateral damage so the attack was no longer an option.

Australia's RAAF has been on three combat missions in the last three nights. Johnston revealed the missions were conducted on most evenings in the west and northwest of Iraq. He observed that ISIS fighters were not moving freely as they were before. One of the main objectives of air missions was to disrupt ISIS operations.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin declined to comment on the specific ISIS target but said the militants would continue to hide in civilian areas. It was proof that the air strategy was working. Binskin said the presence of air forces will prevent ISIS militants from converging on the ground and limit their movements.

Meanwhile, SMH reports that Australian commandos may be working with an elite group of Iraqi special operations forces to help fight ISIS militants. Australian Special Forces is prepared to be deployed to Iraq to advise and assist local forces. Up to 200 special forces commandos and support staff are expected to be sent to Iraq.

ISIS militants have entered the town of Kobane near the Turkey-Syria border and took control of three districts after fighting with Kurdish forces. The ISIS fighters raised their flag on buildings and hills. Reports said more than 160,000 Syrians have left the town to seek safer ground.