Five Dutch F-16 fighter jets have arrived in Jordan to take part in the US-led military airstrikes against the Islamic State (IS).
The Dutch aircraft will initially support Iraqi and Kurdish ground forces, Defence Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert told parliament Friday.
The Dutch F-16s will be used to strike IS targets in Iraq and Syria, she said, adding that the operation will be under the command of Qatar, Xinhua reported.
On Sep 24, the Dutch government decided to send up to eight F-16s and 250 support personnel to join the military mission.
The White House has welcomed Dutch participation in the airstrikes on the Islamic extremists.
So far, five Arab nations - Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, the UAE and Bahrain - have joined the US-led coalition to fight the IS.
France and Britain have also assisted in the bombing campaign in Iraq, but they are as yet to offer troops.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app