Germany to scale back military presence in Erbil, Spiegel reports

ERBIL, Iraq — BERLIN — Germany plans to withdraw roughly 30 soldiers stationed at a base in Erbil by the end of September and close a military camp, German magazine Der Spiegel reported. The decision follows a briefing Germany's Federal Ministry of Defence submitted to the Bundestag's defense committee, according to the magazine. A German Defense Ministry spokesperson said Berlin envisions reducing its troop numbers in Erbil over the long term. The spokesperson noted that U.S. forces are also expected to fully withdraw from Iraq by the end of September, but stressed that Germany would only scale back its presence while continuing training and support services for Peshmerga forces. A small team of military advisers will continue to operate under the German Embassy as part of the arrangement, the spokesperson said. German forces have been stationed in Erbil for years as part of Berlin's contribution to the international coalition against ISIS, providing training, advice and support to Peshmerga units.