28-03-2024 05:07 PM Jerusalem Timing

Germany to Dispatch 1200 Troops to Fight ISIL in Syria

Germany to Dispatch 1200 Troops to Fight ISIL in Syria

Germany announced it will deploy 1,200 troops to support a naval frigate as well as reconnaissance and refueling aircraft to fight the Takfiri group operating in Syria, ISIL

Germany announced it will deploy 1,200 troops to support a naval frigate as well as reconnaissance and refueling aircraft to fight the Takfiri group operating in Syria, ISIL (so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Levant).

The move was outlined by Germany's Chief of Defense Volker Wieker in an interview published by the Bild am Sonntag newspaper on Sunday.

Wieker added that deployments are still pending parliamentary approval but a mandate is expected before the end of the year and that the deployment could “occur very rapidly after mandating.”Germany's Chief of Defense Volker Wieker

In accordance to the plans, a German naval frigate would escort France's Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and Germen jets would be used to photograph the region and refuel US-led coalition jets, allegedly engaged in targeting Takfiri positions in the region.

"From a military point of view for the servicing of the planes and ships, about 1,200 soldiers would be necessary," said the defense chief.

He noted that four or six German air force Tornado jets would be stationed in either Jordan or Turkey.

Wieker said he did not believe that Germany’s participation in the actual air strikes was necessary for now.

"What makes sense militarily is what is necessary," he said. "In this case, that is our ability to carry out reconnaissance."

Germany’s move comes after Chancellor Angela Merkel promised to support France in the battle against terrorism in the wake of a series of deadly attacks on Paris, which claimed the lives of some 130 people on November 13.