Belgian jet fighters to strike IS targets in Syria

BRUSSELS, June 27 (KUNA) -- Six Belgian F-16 fighter jets have left the Kleine Brogel airbase in Belgium Monday for a Jordanian airbase, where they will carry out raids against IS targets in Syria and Iraq, Belgian media reported.
Previously Belgian jets had only been deployed in operations against the so-called Islamic State in Iraq. From now on they will also attack IS targets in Syria.
The Belgian Defence Minister Steven Vandeput told VRT News Network that the mission is very important for Belgium.
"It is important that we remain active in the fight against IS. We have seen in our own country what this means for our security. We need to beat the terrorists over there to be safer here," he said.
The Belgian F-16 fighterآ’s mission will last a full year. (end) nk.bs