US welcomes Denmark's military assistance in Syria

WASHINGTON

The U.S. on Friday hailed Denmark's decision to deploy troops in Syria to assist the global coalition fight against Daesh.

"The United States welcomes the announcement by the Danish Government to make a military deployment to Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and to continue to share the burden and responsibilities of this important mission," said Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman.

The statement was made hours after Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced the country would send a 14-member medical team, combat battalion, warship and four fighter aircraft with support personnel.

"Our Danish partners will work with the residual U.S. military force in northeast Syria to support stability and security," said Hoffman.

"We look forward to working with our Danish ally to continue our shared mission of achieving ISIS's enduring defeat-in Syria and wherever else the group may operate," he said, using an alternate name for Daesh.

The anti-Daesh coalition was formed September 2014 by more than 70 countries to fight the terror group.