Germany Approves Military Campaign Against ISIS in Syria

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A Tornado aircraft of the Tactical Air Force Wing 51 Immelmann, pictured during a presentation at German army Bundeswehr airbase in Jagel near the German-Danish border, December 4. The German parliament has voted to join... Reuters/Fabian Bimmer

Germany approved plans for military action against the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) in Syria on Friday, responding to French President Francois Hollande's call for help following the deadly Paris attacks.

In a vote in the lower house of the German parliament, 445 members voted in favor of the motion to extend military action in Syria; 146 voted against it and seven abstained.

Six Tornado reconnaissance jets will join the German military action as well as one frigate, refuelling jets and as many as 1,200 military personnel deployed to the region. Germany will not, however, participate in airstrikes alongside Russia and U.S.-led coalition members, such as Britain and France, against ISIS.

The decision comes two days after the British parliament voted in favour of airstrikes targeting the militant group.

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