German Parliament Approves Military Operation Against Daesh in Syria

The German parliament (Bundestag) has approved launching a military campaign against Daesh terrorist organization, also known as ISIL or Islamic State, in Syria.

The move was supported by 445 German lawmakers, while 146 voted against the anti-Daesh campaign, seven lawmakers abstained.

445 ja, 146 nein: German parliament approves mission in Syria against IS

— Luigi Serenelli (@luiserenelli) 4 декабря 2015

The decision now needs to be approved by the country’s Bundesrat consisting of representatives of the 16 federal regions of Germany.

LATEST: Angela Merkel wins German parliamentary vote to send warplanes into Syria pic.twitter.com/XTYsSdfwoL

— Roop Raj (@rooprajfox2) 4 декабря 2015

The German campaign against Daesh is initially planned through December 31, 2016, and will cost the Germans approximately 134 million euros and include up to 1,200 servicemen.

Germany plans to send up to six Tornado surveillance aircraft to Syria and a frigate to support the French Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier deployed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

The move was already backed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Cabinet on Tuesday.

Following World War II Germany adopted a constitution which forbids participating in wars on foreign soil, therefore Berlin can not carry out airstrikes. That is why the German involvement is expected to be limited to support and reconnaissance.

Being a member of the US-led coalition against Daesh, Berlin has so far provided only logistical and technical assistance to the international alliance, refraining from participation in the coalition’s airstrikes.