Fight against terrorism: Dutch jets to join anti-IS mission

The Hague, Oct 4: 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.

IANS