LOC23:31
20:31 GMT
PARIS, April 19 (KUNA) -- French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle has left the Arabian Gulf waters following its participation in a US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and Levant (ISIL), and headed to India, the French armed forces command said Sunday.
Charles de Gaulle, which carries 12 Rafale and nine Super Etendard jets, has concluded its mission in the Arabian Gulf and headed to India to participate in drills with the Indian navy, it added in a statement.
The French fighter jets carried out 10-15 sorties daily since February 23 to support the Iraqi forces fighting ISIL on the ground, it said.
French President Francois Hollande ordered last January dispatch of Charles de Gaulle to participate in the international coalition fighting ISIL.
The military exercises between France and India followed the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Paris last month, during which he said New Delhi would buy 36 Rafale planes. (end)
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