German cabinet approves mandate for anti-terror military aid

The German cabinet has approved on Tuesday a mandate offering military assistance in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria.

According to the mandate, the German armed forces will provide aid in the areas of military reconnaissance and logistics by making available reconnaissance satellite and reconnaissance planes as well as tanker aircraft.

In addition, a frigate will be sent as escort for the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which has been deployed to participate in operations against the IS.

In total, Germany plans to send up to 1,200 troops to support the international alliance in its anti-terror actions.

Berlin's decision to join the coalition came after France requested aid in combating the IS following deadly attacks in Paris on Nov. 13 that claimed 130 lives. The IS claimed responsibility for the attacks.

The military package still requires approval from the Bundestag, lower house of the German parliament. If approved, as expected, the mission would become Germany's largest overseas deployment of troops at the moment.

Germany has already promised to send 650 peacekeeping troops to Mali, relieving French troops fighting extremists in the former colony. Berlin also promised to strengthen its operations training anti-IS fighters in northern Iraq. Endit