Denmark will deploy special forces to Syria to fight against Daesh

NATO member Denmark will deploy special forces to Syria to fight against Daesh, in an expansion of its role in the US-led operation “Inherent Resolve” against Daesh where it already has ground troops operating in Iraq.”Based on a concrete approach from the coalition, the government has decided to expand the tasks of our special forces in Iraq and Syria,” said Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen.

Denmark agreed in April last year to send troops, including special forces, to the area.

They have operated from the Al-Assad air base in Iraq.At the time the Danish government failed to win political agreement for its forces to operate inside Syria, but on today parliament gave its backing to the deployment of the 60 special troops there.”I’m glad that a majority in parliament is backing this,” Samuelsen said, adding that the Danish troops would operate in the border area with Iraq.

In addition, Denmark said it would let a frigate operate jointly with a US aircraft carrier from February to May.

Several hundred US special force soldiers have been supporting largely Kurdish militants of the Syria Democratic Forces that are trying to push back Daesh militants in northern Syria.

France also said in June that its special forces were advising rebels in the same area.Last month, Denmark said it would not extend military operations of its seven F-16 fighter jets in Syria and Iraq after six months in action.