Germany sends first mission to support anti-IS coalition in Syria

PanARMENIAN.Net - The German military says it's flown its first mission in support of the coalition effort against the so-called Islamic State group in Syria, the Associated Press reports.

The Bundeswehr said Wednesday, December 16, that a German tanker aircraft had refueled two fighter jets in-air as they flew missions against the extremist group, the dpa news agency reported, according to AP.

A German frigate is also providing protection to the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, and German Tornado reconnaissance jets are expected to begin flying surveillance missions in January.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged the support after France asked for help in the wake of the recent deadly attacks in Paris.

Up to 1,200 troops will also be involved in the German mission, which is an exclusively non-combat support deployment.