German Commander of Forces Deployed Abroad Gunter Schneider attended the official ceremony at Camp Stefan near Erbil International Airport. Photo: Ministry of Peshmerga.Show caption: German Commander of Forces Deployed Abroad Gunter Schneider …Move comes as part of coalition’s broader withdrawal from Iraq by September 30
Germany's military mission in Iraq formally ended on Wednesday, marking the first major departure from the Kurdistan Region ahead of the coalition's September 30 deadline.
German troops had been stationed in Erbil since 2015, providing training, advice and logistical support to Peshmerga forces as part of the anti-ISIS coalition.
The closure of Camp Stefan follows a US decision to withdraw its protection force amid heightened security risks, including repeated drone and rocket attacks near Erbil airport.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi met the German forces commander to review withdrawal preparations and explore ways to strengthen bilateral military and security relations.
