The End in Iraq

After more than a decade of intensive military engagement in northern Iraq, the Bundeswehr is withdrawing its units from Iraq. The orderly withdrawal of the contingent marks the conclusion of a central pillar of Germany’s contribution to the international anti-IS coalition as part of the Counter-Daesh / Capacity Building Iraq (CD/CBI) mission. The withdrawal marks the transition from direct military support to the Iraqi forces assuming independent responsibility for security.

A Decisive Contribution to the Fight Against Terrorism

Since the start of the mandate in 2015, the Erbil base in the Kurdistan Region has symbolized Germany’s determination to effectively counter the terrorism of the “Islamic State” (IS). During one of the region’s most critical phases, the Bundeswehr assumed responsibility for regional and global security.

“After more than a decade, the Bundeswehr’s current presence in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq is coming to an end. Amid dynamically changing situations, the deployed soldiers have fulfilled their mission with professionalism and dedication.” (Lieutenant General Günter Katz, Commanding General of the Air Force Troop Command)

Achievements: Capacity Building and Partnership-Based Development

The focus of the work in Erbil was on training, advising, and providing material support to the regular Iraqi armed forces as well as the Kurdish Peshmerga. What began in 2015 as emergency aid to counter an acute threat evolved into sustainable capacity building.

Among the key successes of the German mission in Erbil are: Thanks to this intensive support, the local security forces acquired the operational tools and military expertise needed to independently and effectively counter remaining ISIS cells.

• Training and Capacity Building: A low five-digit number of Peshmerga and Iraqi security force personnel were trained by German specialists in tactics, medical services, engineering, and mine countermeasures.
• Structural and Reform Advisory Support: Through direct advisory support to the Kurdish Ministry of Defense, the conditions for sustainable and unified command structures were established.
• Logistical and Medical Support: Over the course of several years, the Bundeswehr provided highly professional medical care and logistical infrastructure that benefited not only its own forces but the entire alliance.

“The German mission in Erbil was a key component of the international community’s success in halting the advance of ISIS. Under often challenging conditions, our soldiers made an important contribution to the stabilization of the entire region.” (Lieutenant General Alexander Sollfrank, Commander of the Bundeswehr Operational Command and National Territorial Commander)

Orderly Withdrawal as a Sign of Changing Circumstances

The dismantling of the field camp and the removal of equipment took place in close coordination with international partners and the Iraqi government.

The Bundeswehr thanks the international coalition partners, as well as the local population and authorities, for their long-standing cooperation, which was characterized by a high degree of trust.