German Parliament Approves Country Joining Military Campaign Against IS

Germany's lower house of parliament has approved government plans to join the military campaign against Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria.

Of the 598 lawmakers who took part in the vote on December 4, 445 voted for, 146 against, and seven abstained.

The mission will include sending six Tornado reconnaissance jets, a frigate to help protect the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, refueling aircraft, and up to 1,200 military personnel.

Germany will not join countries like Britain, France, the United States and Russia in conducting air strikes.

The coalition has stepped up its campaign against the group in the wake of last month's terrorist attacks in Paris.

IS claimed responsibility for the massacre in which 130 people were killed.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters