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France to extend aircraft carrier mission to back Mosul offensive: Elysee

Xinhua, October 26, 2016 Adjust font size:

French President Francois Hollande on Wednesday decided to prolong the country's largest aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle's mission to retake Mosul in Iraq until mid-December, his office said.

At a defense council meeting, Hollande announced that the warship will remain in the eastern Mediterranean for two more months to boost military action against Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria.

Charles de Gaulle aircraft is initially planned to return to France in mid-October, according to local reports.

The council also "reviewed the military, humanitarian, political and security stakes involved in the recapture of Mosul," the Elysee said in a statement.

Situation in Syria and Central African Republic in addition to potential terrorist threats at home were also discussed during the meeting, it added. Endit