The German Cabinet approved plans on Tuesday to commit up to 1,200 soldiers to support the international coalition fighting against the Islamic State group in Syria.

The mandate still requires parliamentary clearance. Chancellor Angela Merkel's governing coalition has a huge majority, and approval looks assured in a vote that, according to senior lawmakers from her conservative bloc, was likely on Friday.

Following the Paris attacks, Merkel agreed to honor a request from France to provide support for its operations against IS in Syria.