Merkel Vows to Help France Combat Islamic State Terrorism
- German chancellor says ready to strengthen military engagement
- Merkel calls for de-escalation after downing of Russian jet
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Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged to help France in the fight against Islamic State, saying that Germany is ready to strengthen its military commitment in global hotspots to free up French forces.
Germany could reinforce its presence in Mali, site of a deadly attack by militants linked to al-Qaeda last week, and prolong its mission in Afghanistan, Merkel told lawmakers in Berlin on Wednesday. With the terror threat in Germany also high, the government is stepping up security and intelligence gathering at home, she said.