Dutch F-16s take on damage from ISIS over Iraq

Dutch F-16s flying over Iraq in the fight against ISIS took on damage during missions when they were fired upon by jihadists. The damage was not substantial enough to force the planes down, and all have landed safely, said General Tom Middendorp, Chief of Defense in the Netherlands. The damage likely happened when the fighter jets flew low to fire its cannons, General Middendorp said in a brief interview with NOS. He would not say when any of the planes were struck. The Dutch fighter jets are “occasionally” hit, he added. Eight Netherlands-operated F-16 aircraft are being flown in the coalition fight against ISIS. The country also sent a military defense team of 250 soldiers to the region. Though the Netherlands is taking part in missions over Iraq, the country refused to join the coalition's fight against ISIS in Syria.