A part of the German troops deployed in Iraq will be transferred to Jordan and Kuwait due to increased tensions in the region following the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in a US bombing.
In particular, the bases in the capital, Baghdad, and in Taji will be “temporarily reduced,” explained Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, in a letter to parliamentarians to whom You have had DPA access this Tuesday.
Both ministers have reiterated that talks are ongoing with the Iraqi Government on the continuation of the German deployment. “Of course, we will respect every sovereign decision of the Iraqi government,” they said.
“In principle, we are willing to continue our demonstrated support in an internationally coordinated framework, if this is what Iraq wants and the situation allows,” they explained.
On the situation in Baghdad and Taji, the ministers have indicated that “the soldiers deployed there will soon be transferred to Jordan and Kuwait. When training can resume, these forces can be transferred back.”
Given the increase in tensions following the death of Soleimani, the coalition fighting against the Islamic State in Iraq is preparing a partial withdrawal.
The headquarters of the ‘Inherent Resolution’ operation will be partially transferred to Kuwait, according to sources consulted by DPA. This would also affect three German military personnel assigned to said barracks.
At the Taji military complex in central Iraq, 27 German soldiers participating in the training of Iraqi forces will also be transferred. In total, Germany has 415 soldiers participating in the operation, of which 120 are in Iraq.
