Denmark steadfast partner in global efforts against ISIS: US

Washington, Apr 21: Denmark is a steadfast partner in global coalition efforts against ISIS and its contributions have been significant, the US has said, a day after Danish parliament approved the country's expanded role in the fight against the dreaded terror group.

"This week's decision by the Danish Parliament to approve an expanded role in the fight against ISIL is a welcome contribution from a valued partner in the counter-ISIL coalition and another sign of the growing momentum for the campaign to defeat ISIL," US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter said yesterday.

"Denmark is a steadfast partner in global coalition efforts. Its contributions, including strike aircraft, air defence radar and training and assistance to Iraqi forces, have already been significant.

"This renewed and expanded role in the military campaign, including the authority to participate in the full spectrum of combat operations in Iraq and Syria, will further increase the military pressure on ISIL," Carter said.

In addition, Denmark will provide important resources to help ensure security and stability in areas freed from ISIL control, an essential element in dealing ISIL a lasting defeat, he said. The State Department joined Carter in welcoming the Danish decision.

"The US welcomes the vote yesterday by the Danish parliament and the announcement by the UAE to expand their contributions to the coalition to counter ISIL," State Department Spokesman John Kirby said.

"Denmark's vote to increase authorised personnel on the ground and the redeployment of F-16 fighter aircraft for operations in both Iraq and Syria will complement their existing contributions to the coalition and will certainly complement the broader coalition kinetic efforts as well," Kirby added.

Denmark's Parliament voted on Tuesday to expand its role in the 66-member global coalition combating the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) to include a presence in Syria.

PTI