Germany to withdraw troops from Erbil by September, Spiegel reports

Germany is set to withdraw its troops from the northern Iraqi city of Erbil by the end of September, closing a field camp there. The move follows U.S. drawdown plans and is part of Germany's broader effort to reduce its military presence in the Middle East due to security risks associated with the Iran war.

Approximately 30 German soldiers are currently stationed at the camp near the Erbil airport. These troops have been in Iraq for years, contributing to the international coalition against the Islamic State by providing training and support to Kurdish Peshmerga forces. The decision to withdraw was made in coordination with international partners, with a defense ministry spokesperson emphasizing that the reduction in footprint does not mean a complete withdrawal of support.

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I want to emphasize that we are merely reducing our footprint; vital support services, such as those for the Peshmerga, will be maintained. To this end, a team of military advisers will remain at the embassy.

While vital support services will be maintained, including a team of military advisers remaining at the embassy, the troop reduction signifies a shift in Germany's regional military engagement. The defense ministry spokesperson stated that the decision was not dictated by any single partner but was a collective one among allies. The withdrawal aims to streamline Germany's overseas military commitments while ensuring continued, albeit reduced, support for key regional partners.

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No single partner is decisive here. Rather, it is all of them together.