WASHINGTON –
Defense Secretary Ash Carter today welcomed the decision by
the Danish Parliament to expand Denmark’s role in the fight against the Islamic
State of Iraq and the Levant.
The decision is “a welcome contribution from a valued
partner in the counter-ISIL coalition and another sign of the growing momentum
for the campaign to defeat ISIL,” the secretary said in a statement.
A Steadfast Partner
“Denmark is a steadfast partner in global coalition
efforts,” Carter said. “Its contributions, including strike aircraft, air
defense radar, and training and assistance to Iraqi forces, have already been
significant.”
Denmark’s renewed and expanded role in the military campaign
-- including the authority to participate in the full spectrum of combat
operations in Iraq and Syria -- will further increase the military pressure on
ISIL, the secretary said. Denmark will provide important resources to help
ensure security and stability in areas freed from ISIL control, an essential
element in dealing ISIL a lasting defeat, he added.