Yes, you can send Unix commands using Applescript.

When making an applescript just add this line of code:

with timeout of x seconds
      do shell script "insert the Unix command-line between the quotes"
end timeout

Make sure to change the x to the number of seconds to complete the task.

You may also have to add a line following after the quote (with administrator privileges) for certain Unix commands that need administrator permissions.

Hope that helps.

Todd V