Dutch government to send 6 F-16s to fight Islamic State group in Iraq

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – The Dutch government says it will send six F-16 fighter jets to strike at the Islamic State extremist group in Iraq.

Deputy Prime Lodewijk Asscher said Wednesday the Cabinet will deploy the six planes and two reserve jets along with 250 pilots and support staff. The Dutch also will send about 130 military trainers to Iraq to support Iraqi and Kurdish fighters battling the Islamic State group on the ground.

Asscher said the Dutch government doesn't currently see an international mandate for joining airstrikes in Syria.

Defense Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said the Dutch jets will likely be based in Jordan.