Denmark votes to send fighter jets to Iraq

Lawmakers approve sending F-16s to help combat Islamic State militants in Iraq, but not Syria

Illustrative photo of an F-16 jet (photo credit: Nati Shohat /Flash90)
Illustrative photo of an F-16 jet (photo credit: Nati Shohat /Flash90)

COPENHAGEN — Danish lawmakers have confirmed the government’s proposal to send seven F-16 fighter jets to join an international coalition to take part in airstrikes against the Islamic State extremist group.

In a 94-9 vote with 76 absentees, lawmakers on Thursday sent four operational planes and three reserve jets along with 140 pilots and support staff for 12 months. The fighters will be based in Kuwait and will not deploy in Syria.

The Danish contribution also includes some 120 military trainers to school Iraqi and Kurdish fighters battling the Islamic State group on the ground.

The US-led coalition is contributing a wide range of efforts, from carrying out airstrikes to providing military assistance and humanitarian aid.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.

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