Germany’s parliament has approved the plan, put forward by Chancellor Angela Merkel, to join the military mission in Syria that is fighting the jihadist organisation Islamic State, IS. An overwhelming majority (445 votes in favour and 146 against) approved the plan. Seven politicians abstained.
Germany will send six reconnaissance jets and a refuelling aircraft to back up the international anti-IS coalition, but its military will not conduct air strikes.
The $142m year-long mission also involves deploying up to 1,200 military personnel, as well as a frigate to support the French aircraft carrier .
The international coalition has stepped up its campaign against the group following last month’s deadly terrorist attacks in Paris. IS claimed responsibility for the massacre in which 130 people were killed.
Merkel’s conservative-led coalition, which included the left-leaning Social Democrats, controls about 80 per cent of the Bundestag vote.
