The Malta Independent 6 May 2024, Monday
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Germany's Parliament gives green light to anti-Islamic State mission

Associated Press Friday, 4 December 2015, 11:52 Last update: about 9 years ago

Germany's Parliament has approved plans to provide military assistance in the fight against Islamic State militants, including reconnaissance jets and up to 1,200 support personnel.

Lawmakers voted Friday 445 to 146 to approve the plan crafted by Chancellor Angela Merkel's Cabinet this week following a pledge of greater support in the wake of the deadly attacks in Paris, which IS has claimed responsibility for.

Germany plans to send up to six Tornado reconnaissance planes and tanker aircraft, as well as a frigate to help protect the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the eastern Mediterranean, but won't actively engage in combat.

Two German Tornados and a tanker are expected to be sent to Turkey's Incirlik air base next week but won't be fully operational until next month. The frigate's also to be in place soon.

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