For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails
Sign up to our free breaking news emails
A U.S. envoy has asked Germany to consider sending ground troops to Syria, putting Chancellor Angela Merkel's government on the spot.
While German soldiers wouldn't necessarily need to engage in combat, they could ease the burden on U.S. forces by helping with air support, logistics, training and technical assistance, James Jeffrey, the U.S. special representative for engagement in Syria, was quoted as saying by the Welt am Sonntag newspaper and DPA newswire.
A change in the mandate would require approval by parliament, where Ms Merkel would be likely to face opposition from parts of her coalition.
Germany can't send soldiers to Syria for "legal reasons," Fritz Felgentreu, a senior Social Democratic lawmaker, told Die Welt newspaper. The Social Democrats are Ms Merkel's junior coalition partner.
Marawi in ruins reminds us of the reach of Islamic State
Show all 20
Johann Wadephul, deputy caucus chief of Merkel's Christian Democratic-led party bloc, told DPA that Germany shouldn't reject the U.S. request out of hand.
Mr Trump said in December he'd withdraw military forces from Syria, declaring Isis defeated.
The announcement led to concerns that the U.S. was leaving Kurdish allies vulnerable to attacks from Turkey.
Mr Trump later agreed to keep as many as 400 U.S. troops in the country after American military officials and members of Congress said a withdrawal was premature.
Jeffrey said he discussed the U.S. request with German government officials and they are considering what they can do about it, Welt am Sonntag reported.
Washington Post
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies