France will begin surveillance flights over Syria ahead of possibly joining the U.S.-led coalition of countries conducting airstrikes against Islamic State militants there, President Francois Hollande said Monday.
French warplanes have been taking part in airstrikes targeting the militants in Iraq, but would be the first Western country other than the U.S. to participate in bombing targets in Syria.
"I have asked the Defense Ministry that from tomorrow surveillance flights can be launched over Syria, allowing us to plan airstrikes against Daesh," Mr. Hollande said, using an acronym for the Islamic State group.
He also made it clear that he is not considering sending French ground troops into Syria, where government troops, rebel fighters, al-Qaida-linked forces and Islamic State militants are all battling for territory.