France Deploys Aircraft Carrier against ’ISIL’ in Iraq
Local Editor
France has deployed its Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier against the "ISIL" extremist group in Iraq, French media report citing government officials.
"The integration of the Charles de Gaulle in the operation... (in Iraq) begins this morning," a member of Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian's staff said.
France announced sending Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier for use in military operations against "ISIL" in Iraq in mid-January.
French President Francois Hollande told military personnel back then that that the Charlie Hebdo attack carried out by "ISIL" extremists "justifies the presence of our aircraft carrier."
The carrier is the largest Western European warship currently in commission, and is France's only nuclear-powered surface vessel. The ship can carry 20 to 25 aircraft, including Super Etendard strike fighter jets, Rafale M multirole fighter jets and Aster missiles.
The ship's deployment, during which it will provide airstrikes against Islamic State militants, is expected to last until May at the earliest.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
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