Germany plans to decommission its military camp located near the Erbil airport in northern Iraq and withdraw the majority of its stationed troops by the end of September, according to reports from Der Spiegel. The Ministry of Defense has formally notified parliament of this decision. The base has operated in an increasingly volatile region, experiencing heightened tensions over recent months, particularly following strikes involving the United States and Israel against Iran.
Although German forces were not the direct target of recent Iranian missile and drone attacks, their proximity to American units necessitated that many German troops spend several nights housed in bunkers due to the escalating security risks. In response to the evolving security situation, the Ministry of Defense confirmed that the relevant parliamentary committees had been informed of the withdrawal plans. A spokesperson for the Ministry declined to provide further details regarding the timeline or logistics of the drawdown.
The planned withdrawal marks a significant reduction in the German military presence within Iraq. This decision follows a period of heightened regional instability, where the security environment surrounding the German contingent has become increasingly unpredictable. The phased closure of the facility and the departure of the troops are set to conclude before the end of the month, signaling a formal scaling back of Germany’s military commitment in the country.
Topics: #germany #troops #iraq
