The Netherlands launches its first airstrikes against IS in Syria
(VOVworld) – Dutch F-16 fighter jets bombed Islamic State targets in Syria for the first time since broadening its mission in the US-led air campaign, the defense ministry said on Tuesday.
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| Dutch F-16 fighter jets (Photo: Wikimedia) |
It is the first mention of targets in Syria since the Dutch government announced late last month it was fanning out its current air support mission over Iraq into Syria, in response to US and French requests. The Dutch defense ministry said the airstrikes were directed against combat positions, military equipment, and strategic aims of the IS terror organization, but did not mention when and where the attacks took place.
The Netherlands is participating in the Iraq strikes with four F-16 fighters specializing in close air support of ground operations by Iraqi forces. Late last year in the wake of the November Paris attacks, the Dutch government received a request from US and French allies to broaden its campaign against IS.