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Asscher and Hennis visit Dutch troops in Iraq
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Asscher Hennis of defense in recent days paid a visit to Iraq. They visited Dutch soldiers in the cities Erbil and Baghdad.
The ministers were accompanied by Chief of Defence Tom Middendorp. They spoke among others with the Prime Ministers of Iraq and the Kurdish Autonomous Region in the north of the country.
In Iraq, some 130 Dutch troops since early last year to train Kurdish fighters. Fighting in the north of the country IS against terror group. Also bombard Dutch F-16s over the country.
Minister Hennis is satisfied with the Dutch contribution. "Our commitment is paying off, but military pressure remains necessary. We are entering a new phase in which ISIS is more defensive and more Iraqi forces to take the initiative." Hennis opened during the visit, new classrooms for Iraqi soldiers who have paid with Dutch money.
Deputy Prime Minister Asscher said he wants to support the Dutch soldiers with the visit. "The dispatch of military forces is one of the hardest decisions for a cabinet. You send people to dangerous areas. In order, also to demonstrate on behalf of the government, interest and appreciation for what they do in Iraq, here we are."
NOS.nl/ © Reuters