Broad support in the Danish Parliament making Denmark a frontrunner in the fight against Da’esh

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.

Read more "Denmark's comprehensive approach to counter ISIL"