Belgium Joins Coalition Against ISIS in Syria

The Belgian government has announced that it will now join the U.S.-led coalition's airstrikes against the Islamic State in Syria, in addition to its operations in Iraq. Barnet Leet, spokesperson for Prime Minister Charles Michel, stated on May 13 that this decision reflects the coalition's request and is part of joint efforts with the Netherlands to combat the group known as the Islamic State (ISIS). The Netherlands had announced its joining of the coalition in Syria three months ago. Belgium is currently involved in airstrikes in Iraq. Mr. Leet indicated that the government reached the conclusion that it is impossible to fight ISIS solely in Iraq: "It is impossible to destroy this group just by bombing them in Iraq. We must go to Syria to confront them." Belgium was the scene of attacks and explosions at Brussels International Airport and the city's metro at the beginning of Farvardin, which were claimed by ISIS and resulted in 32 deaths and 300 injuries. Belgian Defense Minister Steven Vandeput dismissed concerns that expanding airstrikes to Syria might provoke extremists to carry out more attacks against Belgium. Mr. Vandeput stated, "ISIS will continue its efforts to carry out attacks against the West regardless." He added, "We have been part of the international coalition since its formation, and it is clear to everyone that we are also hosts of NATO and the European Union. If we want to solve this problem, we must fight the Islamic State where they are currently present." Hours after Belgium's announcement, the U.S. Department of Defense praised the decision. The U.S.-led coalition has been conducting airstrikes against ISIS since 2014, following the group's extensive advances in Iraq and Syria. The United States also supports some local groups in Syria and the Iraqi army and security forces in ground offensives against ISIS.