US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter
(VOVworld) – US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced Tuesday that the US will send "a specialized expeditionary targeting force" to conduct more raids in Syria. The force is in addition to the "less than 50" Special Operations forces authorized in October to aid in the fight against IS in Syria. Carter told Congress that Turkey’s operations are not “directed” at Islamic State and the Pentagon would like Ankara “to do more” both in the air and on the ground, adding that Turkey has also failed to control its borders “effectively”.
Germany’s cabinet has approved plans to send up to 1,200 troops to the Middle East as part of a multi-million euro mission to support the fight against IS. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said German armed forces will not fight or launch bombing missions, but will provide support to France, the US and Russia. A proposal for Germany to send Tornado reconnaissance jets, refueling aircraft, a frigate to protect a French aircraft carrier and the supporting soldiers necessary for the deployment was approved by the cabinet Tuesday and will go to a vote in Germany’s parliament later this week.