Germany mulling deployment of special forces in Syria
Germany is mulling the deployment of elite special forces, dubbed KSK, along with reconnaissance air craft and a 1,200-strong support group to join the battle against Daesh in Syria.
The group of elite commandos will be sent to strengthen the support group and non-combat aircraft “in case of emergency,” RT quoted Germany's Bild daily as saying on Saturday.
According to the Bild, the subject was “made clear” during a German defense committee hearing attended by German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen and Bundeswehr chief of staff Gen Volker Wieker on Wednesday.
The number of commandos Germany plans to send is still unclear but they could be used for, among other missions, rescue operations for “liberate downed Tornado pilots,” said the report.
On Friday, German lawmakers approved the deployment of a group of support troops and six Tornado reconnaissance planes, aerial refueling aircraft, and a navy frigate to Syria.
The jets will gather intelligence for the US-led coalition, which is carrying out missions in Syria without any authorization from the government in Damascus or a United Nations mandate.
Germany’s move comes after Chancellor Angela Merkel promised to support France in the battle against terrorism in the wake of a series of deadly attacks on Paris, which claimed the lives of some 130 people on November 13.
Also on Wednesday, French President Francois Hollande and British Prime Minister David Cameron agreed to "intensify their cooperation" in the fight against Daesh in Syria.
According to the French presidential office, the decision was made during a phone conversation between the two leaders.
"The two leaders agreed to further intensify their cooperation in the fight against Daesh both in the Syrian campaign and in the exchange of information," it said.
The UK, which was already carrying out raids against the terrorists in Iraq, launched its first attacks against Takfiri targets in Syria early on Thursday.
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