Jan. 20 (UPI) -- The mandate of Denmark's military forces in Iraq was extended Friday, allowing troops to venture into Syria to combat terrorists.
The action was not unexpected. In 2015 Danish Defense Minister Peter Christiansen pledged to accelerate efforts of Denmark's special forces, working within NATO, against the Islamic State in the Middle East. The decision can also be seen as a response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has asked all NATO countries to become more engaged in the fight against IS. Denmark joined the international coalition in Iraq in 2014.