The German Cabinet has approved a mandate offering military assistance to fight against the Islamic State (IS) militant group in Syria.
Germany decided to join the fight against IS after an appeal by French President Francois Hollande in the wake of the 13 November Paris attacks. Its forces will not engage in combat. MPs are expected to back the mission, which would become Germany’s biggest current military operation abroad.
Points to note
- The German mission will include sending Tornado reconnaissance jets, a refuelling aircraft and a frigate for one year and can be extended by year.
- Tornado reconnaissance aircraft, a naval frigate and a 1,200-strong force will be sent to the region under the proposals
- These aircrafts can take high-resolution photos and infrared images at night and in bad weather and the tanker aircraft for refuelling of planes in mid-air.
- A German frigate will help to protect the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.