World

Nato to use surveillance planes against IS

July 9, 2016 6:16 pm

The Nato military alliance has agreed to use surveillance planes in the fight against so-called Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Iraq, secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg says.

He says the aircraft will support the US-led coalition targeting the group.

Nato will also train Iraqi forces and support special forces in Tunisia, a major recruiting ground for IS.

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Meanwhile, the alliance has agreed to keep troop levels in Afghanistan and reiterated a funding pledge, he adds.

Mr Stoltenberg made the remarks on the second day of the 28-country military alliance summit in Warsow.

He said the surveillance agreement against IS, using Awacs surveillance planes, was a “clear signal of our resolve to help tackle terrorism”.

Additionally, the alliance will start a training and capacity-building mission for Iraqi armed forces, a country Mr Stoltenberg says is central in the fight against the jihadist group.