Netherlands pressed by France, U.S., own lawmakers to join bombing campaign vs. ISIS in Syria
After Britain voted in favour of airstrikes this week, pressure is reportedly now mounting on the Netherlands to join the U.S.-led bombing campaign against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria.
Dutch Defence Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said France and the United States have both asked his country to intensify its contribution in the fight against ISIS. At the same time, several Dutch lawmakers have joined calls for their country to enter the fray, according to the Express.
Hennis-Plasschaert said the ruling Dutch coalition will consider extending military force in "the coming days or weeks" after a thorough discussion.
"As far as we are concerned, it's high time action is taken against ISIS in Syria,'' said Raymond de Roon from the far-right Freedom Party.
"It will be good to see a stop being put to ISIS' Syrian pipeline,'' added Han ten Broeke, lawmaker for People's Party for Freedom and Democracy.
The country's top military commander, General Tom Middendorp, also disclosed that there has been a strong call from the international coalition to deal a blow against ISIS in Syria.
Four Dutch F-16 jet fighters have been pounding ISIS jihadists in Iraq since October last year, but The Hague at the time said it would not carry out airstrikes over Syria without a UN mandate, AFP reported.
"The Netherlands is a small country that's been very active in the fight against ISIS. But we can only make that decision once all military and political aspects in Syria have been properly weighed,'' said Foreign Minister Bert Koenders.
He said the government "will look at whether we can make an effective contribution" to the bombing alliance. He added the alliance cannot fight ISIS with bombs alone but instead must "look at cutting off oil revenues, finances."
"We are facing a very responsible decision."
The Dutch reaction came after Germany's MPs approved of a non-combat mission for Germany in Syria.
Germany said it will be sending six reconnaissance jets, refuelling planes, a frigate and up to 1,200 personnel to support the coalition.
