Germany reduces its military presence in northern Iraq after attacks

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – A spokesperson for the German Defense Ministry in Berlin confirmed that the German army plans to close its field base in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan’s capital, which has been repeatedly attacked.

The German army plans to reduce its footprint; however, Germany will continue to train the Kurdish Peshmerga forces, the security forces of Iraqi Kurdistan, according to the spokesperson.

German military advisors would remain at the embassy to continue this mission, but the number of soldiers currently stationed in Erbil or those who would remain in the future was not disclosed for security reasons, according to Sky News Arabia.

The German soldiers stationed in Iraqi Kurdistan are part of Germany’s participation in Operation Inherent Resolve, which is set to conclude in September after a decision by the Iraqi government.

The military consultants might be part of a new drive to develop military capabilities.

The military base located on the outskirts of Erbil International Airport has been subjected to missile and drone attacks since the start of the recent war waged by the United States and Israel against Iran. These attacks, attributed to Iranian retaliatory operations, have not directly targeted German forces.