US Welcomes Australia, Turkey, Denmark Joining Anti-IS Operation: White House

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The United States welcomes the decision of Australia, Turkey and Denmark to join the international military operation against the Islamic State (IS) targets in Iraq, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Friday.

MOSCOW, October 4 (RIA Novosti) - The United States welcomes the decision of Australia, Turkey and Denmark to join the international military operation against the Islamic State (IS) targets in Iraq, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Friday.

"The United States welcomes the Australian government's deployment of fighter aircraft to participate in airstrikes on ISIL in Iraq as well as its intention to deploy Special Forces to Iraq to advise and assist Iraqi Security Forces," the White House statement read.

"We also welcome the decision by the Danish parliament to authorize a contribution of F-16 fighters to join American, Iraqi, and international forces in countering ISIL positions in Iraq and to provide trainers to advise and assist Iraqi Security Forces," the White House stated.

"The United States also welcomes the Turkish parliament's strong vote recognizing ISIL as a threat to Turkey's national security and authorizing Turkish military activity against ISIL in Iraq and Syria. We look forward to working closely with the Government of Turkey to incorporate Turkey's unique capabilities into the growing international coalition to counter ISIL," the White House announced.

Earlier on Friday Australia's federal government decided at a meeting of the National Security Committee that the Australian Air Forces will join the US-led coalition in conducting airstrikes against IS militants in Iraq.

On Thursday, Danish Parliament approved their government's proposal to send for F-16 fighter jets and three additional fighter jets in logistical support, supported by up to 140 staff, to contribute to the fight against IS in Iraq.

The same day, the Turkish parliament approved possible deployment of Turkish troops in cross-border military operations against IS both in Iraq and Syria.

IS, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS), or the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), has been fighting against the government in Syria since 2012 and advanced into portions of northern Iraq in June 2014. IS continues to wage war in an attempt to establish a caliphate in these areas.

Early in September, US President Barack Obama unveiled a strategy to defeat the IS insurgency by creating an international anti-IS coalition and conducting airstrikes against IS targets in Iraq and Syria. The US-led coalition is currently comprised of more than 60 countries, according to the State Department.

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