French jets due in Jordan to join fight against ISIS: PM Manuel Valls

NIAMEY, Niger (AFP) - French fighter jets are due to arrive in Jordan soon to join operations against the Islamic State group in Iraq, Prime Minister Manuel Valls said Sunday.

"The show of strength is continuing with the arrival of Mirage planes in the coming days," Valls said during a visit to the Niger capital Niamey. Earlier, he had said the jets were already in Jordan.

France already has nine Rafale fighter jets in the United Arab Emirates.

"Every day, everywhere in the world, our military demonstrates its capacities in the service of France," Valls said in a speech at a French airbase in Niamey, where his visit is devoted to the fight against terrorism in the Sahel.

France operates drone surveillance missions in the region from the Niamey base.

Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had announced the planned deployment of the six Mirage 2000-Ds to Jordan on Wednesday.

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