Germany Approves Military Campaign Against IS in Syria

BERLIN (Reuters) —
A Tornado aircraft of the Tactical Air Force Wing 51 'Immelmann' is pictured during a presentation at German army Bundeswehr airbase in Jagel near the German-Danish border, December 4, 2015. The German Bundestag lower house of parliament is expected to support plans approved by Merkel's cabinet earlier this week to deploy up to 1,200 soldiers, Tornado reconnaissance jets, refueling aircraft and a frigate as part of the military campaign against Islamic State. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer
A Tornado aircraft of the Tactical Air Force Wing 51 ‘Immelmann’ is pictured during a presentation at German army Bundeswehr airbase in Jagel near the German-Danish border, Friday. (Reuters/Fabian Bimmer)

Germany’s lower house of parliament on Friday approved government plans to join the military campaign against Islamic State in Syria.

Of the 598 lawmakers who took part in the vote, 445 voted for, 146 against and seven abstained.

The mission will include sending six Tornado reconnaissance jets, a frigate to help protect the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, refueling aircraft and up to 1,200 military personnel. Germany will not join countries like Britain, France, the United States and Russia in conducting airstrikes.

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