The Netherlands recalls its helicopters from Mali
The Netherlands is recalling its seven helicopters from Mali where they have been in action as part of the UN peace-keeping mission Minusma.
The three transport and four fighter helicopters are being brought back to the Netherlands because they are suffering from ‘wear and tear’, news agency ANP said.
No replacement for them has yet been found from among other countries participating in the region.
The Netherlands has been part of the UN mission in Mali since 2014 and is due to pull out completely at the end of this year. Talks are underway within the cabinet on extending the Dutch stay in the African country, an option which defence minister Jeanine Hennis is known to favour.
There are some 370 Dutch soldiers in Mali, many of whom are involved in collecting intelligence information.
Thank you for donating to DutchNews.nl.
We could not provide the Dutch News service, and keep it free of charge, without the generous support of our readers. Your donations allow us to report on issues you tell us matter, and provide you with a summary of the most important Dutch news each day.
Make a donation