The Dutch government on Jan. 29 approved extending its mission against ISIS to include airstrikes in Syria, a week after US Defense Secretary Ash Carter met with coalition partners in Paris to discuss the military campaign. Dutch pilots were already flying missions over Iraq. “I am grateful for [Dutch Defense Minister Jeanine] Hennis-Plasschaert’s immediate action following last week’s meeting, and for the continuing commitment from the Dutch people to this fight,” Carter said in a written release. “They have provided a strong example for the 26-nation military coalition, which will gather in Brussels along with representatives from the Iraqi government in two weeks to discuss the progress of the campaign and what additional capabilities are needed from every member nation.” The Dutch government also announced additional funding to support moderate armed Syrian opposition groups, and more money for restoring damaged infrastructure, Carter said.
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…