A ministry of defence spokesperson says two Dutch F-16s fighter jets used deadly force against Taliban insurgents attempting to overrun an Italian army base in the western province of Farah.

It's the first time that Dutch fighter jets have used their weapons since being stationed in Mazar-e-Sharif to support the Dutch police training mission in the north of the country.

The F-16s were already airborne on a regular flyover when they were deployed to assist in the defence of the Italian army post. Taliban insurgents were attacking the Italian base with rockets and artillery. One Italian soldier was killed in the attack and five were injured.

The Dutch F-16s, which have been operating out of Mazar-e-Sharif since November, were deployed after the Italians requested assistance. The coalition forces have called on the Dutch for assistance a number of times over the last few months but this is the first time they have had to use their weapons.
 

(jric)
©Radio Netherlands Worldwide