Germany plans Erbil withdrawal by September as Spiegel reports on Iraq base closure

German forces will exit their Erbil camp in northern Iraq by the end of September in line with efforts to shrink the country's regional military footprint amid the Iran war.

ByREUTERS

JULY 10, 2026 17:36

Germany intends to remove its soldiers from the northern Iraqi city of Erbil and shut down a field camp there after the United States decided to end a protection unit tied to its own withdrawal strategy, Spiegel reported on Friday.

The departure is scheduled for the end of September, Spiegel stated, referencing a briefing to the parliamentary defense committee. Roughly 30 German troops are currently based at the camp near the airport, the report noted.

Berlin has already cut back its Middle East operations significantly because of security concerns linked to the Iran war.

A defense ministry spokesperson confirmed that a briefing occurred and that Germany aims to lower soldier numbers at the site over time, though no exact schedule or figures were provided.

"We are only trimming our presence, and key support for the Peshmerga will continue," the spokesperson said. "A small advisory team will stay at the embassy to handle this work."

German personnel have supported Iraq operations for years

German troops have operated in Erbil for years as part of the international effort against Islamic State, offering training and assistance to Kurdish Peshmerga units.

When questioned about the role of US plans, the spokesperson noted that the decision was reached jointly with allies.

"No one partner drives this alone," the spokesperson told reporters. "It reflects input from the full group."