Germany to Reduce Military Presence in Iraq

Germany will reduce its military presence in Iraq after the US-led Operation Inherent Resolve concludes at the end of September 2026, but does not plan to withdraw completely from the region, according to German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

Speaking at a press conference in Berlin following talks with Slovenian Foreign Minister Tomaž Kajzer, Wadephul said the end of the anti-ISIS mission, at Iraq's request, would lead many coalition members to withdraw forces, with Germany also scaling back its deployment.

However, Wadephul said Berlin intends to maintain a military presence in Erbil, in northern Iraq, through the Bundeswehr, adding that the government does not currently see a need for parliamentary approval but could seek authorisation from the Bundestag if required.

Operation Inherent Resolve was launched by the US in August 2014 as part of an international coalition of more than 60 countries to combat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

Earlier, *Der Spiegel*, citing Germany's Defence Ministry, reported that the Bundeswehr would withdraw from Erbil and close its field camp by the end of September in parallel with the withdrawal of US forces.

Germany previously suspended its military mission in Iraq because of heightened tensions in the Middle East. According to Defence Ministry spokesperson Mitko Müller, only a few dozen German troops remain at the multinational base in Erbil.