Germany Supports France In Fight Against Terrorism

Germany has pledged support to France in the fight against terrorism on two separate occasions over the last two days.

German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen announced Nov. 25 that the Bundeswehr plans to deploy up to 650 troops to Mali, mainly in the logistics and reconnaissance roles, to backfill for France so it can concentrate on fighting terrorism. In addition, the number of German troops training Peshmerga fighters in northern Iraq will be increased from 100 to 150.

On Nov. 26, von der Leyen and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier announced further support to France in the areas of protection, reconnaissance and logistics.

Protection will be provided by a German navy frigate escorting the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, which is launching combat aircraft on bombing missions against the so-called Islamic State (IS).

The reconnaissance support consists of Tornado Recce aircraft and SAR-Lupe satellites operating in a constellation with France's Helios II. Von der Leyen said the increased situational awareness provided by these reconnaissance assets helps protect the populations and civil infrastructure.

The logistics support consists of Airbus A310 aerial tankers to refuel French combat aircraft bombing IS.

These measures stop short of providing France with direct combat support. Unlike France, whose President Francois Hollande has declared war on terrorism, von der Leyen does not consider Germany to be at war as IS is not a state, but rather a "band of murderers."