Germany set to join military action against ISIS in Syria

The German cabinet Tuesday approved the consignment of up to 1,200 soldiers and reconnaissance planes to Syria to help in the fight against Islamic State without engaging directly in ground combat.. This step ramps up Germany’s involvement in the war, which was limited until now to arms and military training to Kurdish fighters. Parliament has still to confirm the decision, but its passage is certain as Chancellor Angela Merkel’s coalition has an absolute majority.

 A vote on the decision will be taken in the German parliament on Wednesday – the same day as the one on British military air strikes in Syria takes place in London.