German military ends Iraq mission as US-led anti-ISIS coalition prepares to leave

Germany's military mission in Iraq officially concluded on Wednesday, marking the initial significant withdrawal from the country by the US-led coalition combating ISIS by September 30, Iraqi authorities declared. Commanding officer Gunter Schneider participated in the formal ceremony at Camp Stefan, located near Erbil International Airport.

Other attendees included the Deputy President of the Kurdistan Region, Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa, and the Minister of Peshmerga Affairs, Shorish Ismail. The withdrawal signified the cessation of Germany's advisory efforts against ISIS "after years of active and impactful involvement within the international coalition against ISIS in both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq," according to the Ministry of Peshmerga.

The ministry celebrated the "historic and pivotal" contribution of the German military mission in aiding Peshmerga forces, specifically in combating and eliminating ISIS militants. Berlin had extended vital military, medical, logistical, and advisory support, which significantly bolstered Peshmerga capabilities and improved the ministry's military infrastructure.

The closure of Camp Stefan was part of an agreement for the US-led coalition to end its military mission in Iraq by September 30. This move followed a US decision to disband its protection force in the multinational site due to escalating security threats, such as frequent drone and rocket attacks near Erbil airport. German forces had been stationed in Erbil since 2015, imparting training, advice, and assistance to Peshmerga forces as part of Berlin's commitment to the coalition against the Islamic State.

Iraqi officials characterized the September deadline as a transition toward a new era rather than a complete departure. On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi met with Commander Schneider to review the preparations for finalizing the withdrawal and discuss methods to strengthen and further develop bilateral ties in military and security matters through joint programs, as per an Iraqi government statement.

Mr. Al Zaidi emphasized the significance of transitioning to multifaceted relations with coalition nations and commended Germany's enduring role in assisting Iraq in its battle against terrorism, particularly during the period of confronting ISIS members. The withdrawal now requires Baghdad and Erbil to maintain the security advantages against ISIS remnants and manage regional threats sans the direct combat support that coalition forces had provided for over a decade.