The Dutch (and Belgians) end their air mission in Iraq and Syria
(B2) The Netherlands on January 2 withdrew its six F-16s deployed in Jordan as part of US-led coalition operations in Syria and Iraq
The 150 soldiers participating in this detachment return to the country this week. It's the end of a bi-national commitment – ensured in turn by the Belgians and the Dutch –. In 2018, the Dutch carried out 3000 missions firing 2100 munitions.
« Defense must have units available for various NATO rapidly deployable units » justifies the communicated of the Dutch defence. " It also gives room for the transition to the new fighter jet, the F-35 »
Both the Dutch and the Belgians, however, remain involved in Iraq in the context of the training of local forces.
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde and Romain Mielcarek)
