Germany Ends Bundeswehr Mission In Syria, Extend Operations In Iraq

Germany Ends Bundeswehr Mission In Syria, Extend Operations In Iraq

A German soldier warns a driver to keep away from their convoy near the city of Kunduz in northern Afghanistan. NEIL SHEA/ STARS AND STRIPES

On January 12, the German Cabinet ended Syria’s status as a site of military operations of the German Armed Forces, the Bundeswehr.

The German Air Force, the Luftwaffe, ended its operations over Syria around two years earlier. German fighter jets flew reconnaissance missions over the country until March 2020.

Germany remains a key member of the US-led coalition against ISIS. While the German Cabinet ended the Bundeswehr mission in Syria, its operations in Iraq were extended.

The Bundeswehr was allowed to keep a maximum of 500 personnel in Iraq up until October 31. Most of Germany’s soldiers in the country are currently stationed in the northern region of Kurdistan.

The German military will provide “air refueling, air transport, air surveillance and situational awareness capabilities as well as staff,” according to Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht.

A German supply base in Jordan will also remain operational for the time being, likely to support the Bundeswehr’s operations in Iraq.

The end of German military operations in Syria will weaken the position of the US-led coalition, who maintains troops in the northeastern and southeastern regions of country. It’s worth noting that as for now coalition members France and the UK are still active in the country.

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Cromwell

Back to their third Reich roots.

Jim Allen

The Third Reich was a passing fad, didnt last 15 year’s.

A Fellow

Of course, that time around, Arabs were supportive of the Reich.