German media announced that Berlin intends to withdraw its troops from the city of Erbil in northern Iraq and close a field camp, following American moves to withdraw protective forces as part of its plans to reduce troop numbers.

Der Spiegel magazine reported from a briefing to the Defense Committee in Parliament that the troops will withdraw by the end of next September. It added that about 30 German soldiers are currently present at the camp located on the outskirts of the airport in Erbil.

Berlin had already begun to reduce its military presence in the Middle East in recent times, amid security concerns stemming from the war between Iran and Israel.

A spokesperson for the German Ministry of Defense clarified that Germany intends to reduce the number of soldiers there in the long term, without providing any details about the timing or numbers.

He added: “I would like to emphasize that we are only reducing our presence, and vital support services, such as those provided to the Peshmerga forces, will continue.”

The withdrawal of the troops does not mean a complete end to the German role, as a team of military advisors will remain to continue providing support to the Kurdish Peshmerga forces from within the German embassy.

German forces have been stationed in Erbil for years as part of Berlin's contribution to an international coalition against ISIS, providing training, advice, and support to the Kurdish Peshmerga forces.

The spokesperson for the German Ministry of Defense stated that the decision was made in coordination with partners.