Denmark votes to send jet fighters to Iraq

Danish MPs have voted 94-9 with 76 absentees to send seven F-16 fighter jets to take part in airstrikes against Islamic State in Iraq.

Danish Prime Minister, Helle Thorning-Schmidt

Denmark's PM (pic) has committed fighter jets to take part in airstrikes against Islamic State. (AAP)

Danish MPs have confirmed the government's proposal to send seven F-16 fighter jets to join an international coalition to take part in airstrikes against the Islamic State extremist group.

In a 94-9 vote with 76 absentees, MPs on Thursday sent four operational planes and three reserve jets along with 140 pilots and support staff for 12 months.

The fighters will be based in Kuwait and will not deploy in Syria.

The Danish contribution also includes about 120 military trainers to tutor Iraqi and Kurdish fighters battling the Islamic State group on the ground.

The US-led coalition is contributing a wide range of efforts, from carrying out airstrikes to providing military assistance and humanitarian aid.


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