29 German soldiers joined Daesh; army may contain dozens of jihadist sympathizers

German counter-intelligence believes that at least 29 former soldiers from the country have left to join Daesh in Syria and Iraq, Russia Today reported Wednesday. 

An internal report also revealed that 65 active soldiers are being investigated for alleged jihadist sympathies.

The report was undertaken by the German military counter intelligence service (MAD), which was seen by the DPA news agency. 

The documents show that at least 29 former German soldiers have fled to the Middle East to join Daesh.

Social Democratic Party (SPD) MP Hans-Peter Bartels, who is responsible for oversight of the army, said on Tuesday that “Islamism isn't the main problem of the Bundeswehr (German Army), however, he did mention that “it represents a real danger that we have to take seriously.”

As many as 22 soldiers have been identified within the Germany Army of being Islamists since 2007, with 17 being sacked. The remaining five had reached the end of their service when the investigation had been concluded.

According to DPA, MAD has investigated a total of 320 suspected cases of Islamism since 2007. 
Source : MENA