THE HAGUE, Netherlands, June 19, 2015 - The Dutch government today announced that it is extending by a year its military contribution in Iraq to the international coalition fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorist group.
The current mandate for Dutch participation against ISIL was set to expire Oct. 1, but that has now been extended until Sept. 30, 2016.
The Dutch military contribution includes four F-16 fighter aircraft, supported by about 200 troops and another approximately 130 personnel involved in training Iraqi and Kurdish forces.
“Our domestic security is intertwined with external security more than ever,” said Foreign Minister Bert Koenders, in a statement. “So the Netherlands is taking its responsibility in the international arena, as well as working towards an enhanced political strategy in Iraq.”