Denmark to send F-16s and troops into Syria
Stockholm, March 5, AZERTAC
Denmark is ready to send F16 fighter jets and 400 special forces to Iraq and Syria to fight the Islamic State group, Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said on Friday, according to the Local.
The decision is seen as a response to a December request from the US that Denmark step up its efforts against Isis and a follow-through on Defence Minister Peter Christensen’s pledge to US Secretary of Defence Ash Carter last month that Denmark would contribute to the international coalition against Isis wherever it is most needed.
Denmark joined the international coalition fighting Isis in October 2014 and Danish F-16s flew 547 missions over northern Iraq, dropping over 500 bombs, before the jets were brought home for repairs in August.
Rasmussen said that with the new commitment, Denmark would “intensify” its fight against the terror group.
The Danish contribution would be available from mid-2016 and the 400 soldiers would include pilots, support staff and 60 special operations forces.
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