Dutch extend deployment of forces in NATO’s Libya operation

Dutch F-16s

From Digital Journal:   The Netherlands extended their military contribution to NATO’s Operation Unified Protector for an additional three months following the decision taken by the military alliance on 21 September to continue its mission to support the Libyan uprising. . . .

Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal and Defence Minister Hans Hillen informed the Dutch parliament by letter on 21 September of the mission plans, which cover six F-16s, one minesweeper and personnel amounting to around 170 servicemen and women, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 
The six fighter aircraft have been participating in the United Nations Security Council mandated mission to protect civilians from forces loyal to Muammar al-Gaddafi, though they have not been given permission by the Dutch civilian leadership to engage in offensive campaigns.  

From Xinhua:  However, the Dutch F-16’s taking part in the NATO mission in Libya, will possibly not get in action in the coming days.

The parliament doesn’t want the planes to fly out, because the mandate for the Dutch participation to the mission will expire on Friday.

Even though the Dutch senate decided to lengthen the mission with three months, the parliament will only gather next Wednesday to vote against or in favour of participation.   (photo: Dutch Defense Ministry)

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