Denmark to expand anti-ISIS military mission

Denmark’s government will draw up proposals to expand its mission against ISIS to Syria and Iraq, including air strikes, the prime minister’s office said on Friday.

As many as 400 military personal may take part in the campaign, it said.

The statement came after politicians from the main political parties voiced support for the proposal in a cross-party committee meeting that included the defence and foreign ministers. Parliament is expected to vote on the proposals soon.

The 400 military personnel will include pilots, soldiers on the ground and support staff.

Denmark contributed seven F-16 in 2014 to the U.S.-led coalition’s air strikes against ISIS in Iraq but pulled them back for maintenance last year. The jets are expected to be back in service in the coming months.

Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen called for Danish air strikes in Syria following the multiple attacks in Paris on Nov. 13 that killed 130 people.
  [alarabiya.net - Reuters]
4/3/16