Germany is to ship arms to Kurdish forces fighting against Islamic State militants in Iraq, in a historic move which breaks from a longstanding refusal to send arms to conflict areas.
Holding a special session on Monday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel told the Bundestag that "inconceivable atrocities" had been committed.
Over €70 million worth of arms, including guns, grenades and rockets are to be sent, reports The Times.
“We have the opportunity to save lives and stop the further spread of mass murder in Iraq,” Merkel said.
“When terrorists take control of a vast territory to give themselves a base for their acts of terror, then the danger rises for us, then our security interests are affected. We have the chance to prevent terrorists from creating another safe haven for themselves. We must take this chance," she added.
“We must fear these fighters could return one day and mount attacks in European cities. The enormous suffering of many people cries to the heavens and our own security interests are threatened.”
Holding a special session on Monday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel told the Bundestag that "inconceivable atrocities" had been committed.
Over €70 million worth of arms, including guns, grenades and rockets are to be sent, reports The Times.
“We have the opportunity to save lives and stop the further spread of mass murder in Iraq,” Merkel said.
“When terrorists take control of a vast territory to give themselves a base for their acts of terror, then the danger rises for us, then our security interests are affected. We have the chance to prevent terrorists from creating another safe haven for themselves. We must take this chance," she added.
“We must fear these fighters could return one day and mount attacks in European cities. The enormous suffering of many people cries to the heavens and our own security interests are threatened.”