France to deploy more fighter jets against IS
Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
Publication Date | 19 November 2014 |
Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, France to deploy more fighter jets against IS, 19 November 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/548ea8dd15.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
November 19, 2014
France has announced plans to send six Mirage fighter jets to Jordan to strike Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq.
Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told parliament on November 19 that the aircraft will reinforce the nine Rafale jets already deployed in the United Arab Emirates.
The French deployment is part of a U.S.-led aerial campaign against IS militants, who control large swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria.
The announcement comes after France confirmed that a second Frenchman features in a video showing the beheading of Syrian prisoners and the body of a U.S. hostage killed by IS militants.
About 1,000 French Islamist militants are thought to have gone to Syria and Iraq.
France is home to the largest Muslim community in Western Europe.
Based on reporting by AFP, Reuters, and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website