Denmark to deploy fighter jets to fight IS in Iraq

Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt Friday said Denmark will send seven F-16 fighter jets to combat the Islamic State (IS) Sunni radical group in Iraq.

"Terrorist organisation IS is a horrible organization that Denmark should help to combat. The IS poses a threat to Denmark and also against our allies," Helle Thorning-Schmidt said at a press conference on "Denmark's contribution to combating the IS."

The prime minister said Denmark would initially contribute seven fighter jets for a period of up to 12 months, and the aircraft would be ready for deployment as early as next week, Xinhua reported.

Thorning-Schmidt stated that the Danish fighter jets will only participate in the fight against IS on Iraqi territory as the country itself has requested for military support.

Nevertheless, the aircraft will not initially be deployed in Syria because, for military action, a mandate is needed under international law in the form of a UN resolution.

In addition, Denmark would send troops in the fight against the IS in northern Iraq as the US States has expressed the desire for Denmark to contribute to the training of Iraqi and Kurdish security forces, Thorning-Schmidt added.

She also stressed that the Danish soldiers would not be sent into battle, but to assist with training.

The Danish parliament is required to approve military deployments. According to the prime minister, cross-party support and a parliamentary majority for sending Danish fighter jets already exist.

The Danish F-16s have been involved in international operations and supported NATO troops in Afghanistan. In 2011, six Danish F-16s were deployed against the Gaddafi regime in Libya.

The US and its allies have started airstrikes on IS positions in Iraq and Syria, and are seeking to build an international coalition against the group.