Today, the
Danish Parliament passed resolution B108, which expands Danish military engagement
against the terrorist organisation Da’esh. Outside of the government, the
resolution was supported by the Social Democrats, the Social Liberal Party, the
Liberal Alliance, the Conservative Party and the Danish People’s Party. The
government furthermore continues its work on increasing the civilian efforts to
counter the organisation.
“The
fight against Da’esh is now entering a new phase. The global coalition has
succeeded in denying Da’esh safe-havens and forcing the organisation back on
the ground as well as disrupting its financial access and economic sustainment.
But Da’esh still poses a major threat to the civilian population in the region
– and to Europe through terrorist attacks and foreign terrorist fighters.
Therefore,
we must increase the military pressure on them. Our goal is that Da’esh will no
longer pose a threat in the Middle East and Europe. Our aim is to degrade
Da’esh via a comprehensive approach leading to its eventual defeat. The Danish
armed forces are known for their highly professional performance in
international operations, and I am pleased that this resolution will now enable
us to contribute at the very forefront of the fight against Da’esh. There is a
clear need for this.
In the new
phase of the fight against Da’esh we are also intensifying our efforts to
combat Da’esh’s financing, their propaganda and the radicalisation that nourishes
the organisation. Denmark is thus ready to allocate a three-digit million sum
(DKK) to the vital stabilisation of the liberated areas of Iraq and Syria”,
says Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen.
“I am
pleased that a large majority has voted for the extended Danish military
engagement against the terrorist organisation Da’esh. With the broader mandate
we will be able to fight Da’esh across the border to Syria leaving them nowhere
to hide. It is important that we continue the fight and push even harder as they
are currently being pushed back.
The Danish military
capabilities are in high demand and it is without doubt that our soldiers are
highly professional and well trained. I have the highest respect for their
enormous dedication both previously and currently and I am confident that they
will deliver on a high level during the coming deployments as well,” says
Defence Minister Peter Christensen.
Background
Today, at
the second reading of resolution B108, the Danish Parliament approved the increased
Danish contribution to the global coalition’s efforts to counter Da’esh. The decision
complements Denmark’s presently deployed capacities in three areas:
• Redeployment
of a F-16 fighter jet contribution, consisting of four operational F-16 fighter
jets and up to three in logistical reserve. This contribution includes up to
approximately 110 people. The fighter jet contribution will available for the
full spectrum of air operations.
• A
contingent comprising Special Forces of up to approximately 60 persons.
• A C-130J tactical
air transport aircraft contribution comprising up to approximately 60 people,
depending on the specific location and the ability to draw on existing support
functions.
The
Government will also strengthen civilian efforts in the fight against Da’esh. Efforts
will particularly focus on increasing the Danish funds for stabilisation in
Iraq and Syria and on countering Da’esh’s propaganda as well as the already
intensified efforts to cut off Da’esh’s sources of funding. Moreover, the
Government has allocated means to stop the influx of foreign terrorist
fighters.
With the new
contributions, Denmark will be among the countries that contribute the most per capita to the fight against Da’esh both
in military and civilian terms.
The
resolution (in Danish) can be read in full here.
For further information, please contact:
Press Advisor to the Foreign Minister, Lars
Peter Levy, tel.: 4190 4124
Defence Ministry press contact, tel.: 2365 6500
