Bundeswehr remains ii Iraq - Bundestag adopts mandate until 2022

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A Bundeswehr soldier (left) accompanies the training of Kurdish Peshmerga in Erbil, northern Iraq

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Michael Kappeler / picture alliance / dpa

The Bundestag has extended the deployment of German soldiers in Iraq by a further 15 months.

In the evening, a majority of 431 members voted for the renewal of the mandate.

The current mission is Germany's contribution in the fight of an international coalition against the terrorist militia "Islamic State" (IS).

Members of the Bundestag of the grand coalition had campaigned for a continuation.

The FDP signaled approval.

AfD, the Left and the Greens announced that they would vote against the mandate presented.

IS had conquered large parts of northern Iraq between 2014 and 2017, but was then defeated in the area with an internationally supported offensive.

However, the jihadists are still terrorizing the country with attacks.

Training aid as part of the NATO mission

The German participation in the operation is now to continue until January 31, 2022 - as previously decided by the Federal Cabinet - with a maximum of 500 men and women.

The reduction has also become possible because Germany withdrew tornado reconnaissance planes.

With an airspace radar, Germany is making a contribution to the early detection of aircraft and missiles.

The Bundeswehr's ongoing training aid for Iraqi security forces will in future also be provided as part of the ongoing NATO mission in Iraq.

The mandate also provides for the continued use of military tanker aircraft.

In addition, Germany provides air transport capacities for the anti-IS coalition, but also for international organizations, allies and partners.

Due to the corona pandemic, parts of the operation are currently largely down.

Chancellor Angela Merkel promised Iraq further support in the fight against IS just over a week ago.

"IS remains a threat to the region and of course beyond," she said on the inaugural visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kasimi in Berlin.

Germany also wants to continue to help Iraq when it comes to the path to stability and security as well as economic growth.

"I would like to make it clear that Germany stands closely with Iraq," said Merkel.

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kfr / dpa