Germany to close Erbil field base, scale back troops after attacks

BAGHDAD, Iraq — BERLIN — Germany's Defense Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that the German army plans to close its field base in Erbil, the capital of Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government. The decision follows attacks targeting German soldiers and the base area. Germany has maintained a military presence in Erbil since 2015 as part of the international coalition fighting ISIS. The Defense Ministry spokesperson said the army will gradually reduce its mission in Iraq and withdraw some personnel and equipment from the field base. The spokesperson added that the remaining German forces will continue to provide training and advisory support to Iraqi forces within the coalition framework. Berlin stressed that Germany will keep a military footprint in the region but at a reduced size. No timeline for the closure or the full withdrawal of personnel and equipment was immediately provided. The ministry did not specify which attacks prompted the decision or whether any casualties had been reported.