Berlin May Authorize Anti-ISIL Syria Campaign by Year-End - German General

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Berlin may allow for the deployment of German forces to fight the Islamic State terror group in Syria by the end of the year, with troops likely to be sent to the region soon after the green light is given, the Chief of Staff of the German armed forces said Sunday.

Volker Wieker, Germany’s top general, told Bild am Sonntag that some 1,200 personnel would be needed to support German air campaign in Syria. The deployment will be part of a broader US-led international mission which has been most active in neighboring Iraq.

According to Wieker, the German military could sent up to six Tornado jets to provide intelligence support in the fight against ISIL militants in Syria. They could be stationed in Jordan or Turkey, with a frigate guarding France’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean.

The German parliament is due to meet on Tuesday to discuss Syria involvement. The debate will be the first practical step after German Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged on Wednesday to support France’s anti-terror campaign following the deadly Paris attacks.