German Bundestag approves sending 1,200 troops on anti-ISIS 'support' mission in Syria

Germany's lower house of parliament has approved joining the military campaign against Islamic State in Syria.

Germany will send 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 to Syria, Reuters reported.

However, Germany will not join in airstrikes, which are currently being launched by the US, Britain, France, and Russia.

Of the 598 lawmakers who took part in the Friday vote, 445 voted for military action and 146 against. Seven members of parliament abstained.

The decision was put to parliament following an appeal from France which came after the November 13 terror attacks in Paris. Until now, Germany has provided only logistical and technical assistance to the international alliance fighting against IS.

The mission’s cost is estimated to reach about US$141.7 million.

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