BERLIN—The German Cabinet approved plans Tuesday to commit up to 1,200 soldiers to support the international coalition fighting the Islamic State group in Syria.
The mandate still requires parliamentary clearance but Chancellor Angela Merkel’s governing coalition has a huge majority and its approval looks assured. Senior lawmakers from her conservative bloc expected a vote on Friday.
Following the Paris attacks, Merkel agreed to honor a request from France to provide support for its operations against IS in Syria.
Germany 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, but won’t actively engage in combat.
Two Tornados and a tanker could be sent to Turkey’s Incirlik air base next week if parliamentary approval comes this week, though for logistical reasons reconnaissance flights won’t start before January, Defense Ministry spokesman Jens Flosdorff said.
