TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The German Cabinet approved on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, plans to mobilize 1,200 soldiers to support the international coalition fighting the Islamic State group in Syria.
Although the decision is still waiting for parliamentary clearance, approval seems to be certain as Chancellor Angela Merkel's governing coalition has huge majority over the parliament. Senior lawmakers from The Chancellor's conservative bloc expected a vote on Friday.
Following the Paris attacks, Merkel has agreed to honor a request from France to provide support for its operations against IS in Syria.
In addition to foot soldiers, German also plans to send up to six Tornado reconnaissance planes, tanker aircraft and a frigate to help protect the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the eastern Mediterranean. However, these military assets will not actively engage in combat.
In response to the plan, left-leaning opposition parties in the Parliament are deeply skeptical, questioning whether there is sufficient legal basis for the move.
AP