German army could deploy 1200 soldiers to Syria

The German government will seek a mandate for a military deployment in Syria this year, the DW quoted army's chief of staff Volker Wieker as saying Sunday.

Wieker said that troops would mainly be involved in reconnaissance operations.

The planned German military participation in international efforts to combat the Daesh in Syria will involve the largest current overseas deployment of German troops, according to Wieker.

"From a military point of view, some 1,200 soldiers will be needed to operate the planes and ships," Wieker said.

Wieker, who is the highest-ranking officer in the Bundeswehr, said the deployment would be able to begin very quickly once the German parliament had approved a mandate for the operation, adding that the government would seek such a mandate before the end of the year.

He added that "our Tornados could contribute greatly" to aiding the US-led coalition in Syria to make best use of the powers and means at its disposal.

He said the German air force would provide four to six Tornado jets that could be stationed at two locations, adding that talks were underway with Jordan and Turkey about using the airbases in Incirlik and Amman.

The German government announced on Thursday that it would make available Tornado reconnaissance planes and a frigate for the fight against Daesh.

This came after France requested aid in combating the group following deadly attacks in Paris on November 13 that claimed 130 lives.

Sources: MENA