Germany Reduces Military Personnel in Northern Iraq 0 24

Military personnel not deemed critical to the mission are being temporarily evacuated from the capital of the Kurdish region — the city of Erbil, the Operational Command of the Armed Forces reported, citing increasing regional tensions as the reason.

The army spokesperson declined to disclose how many soldiers are being evacuated and how many will remain in place.

This step is being taken in response to the risk of military escalation between the United States and Iran, German magazine Der Spiegel reported.

Germany is participating in an international mission to support Iraq, including training Iraqi forces to prevent the resurgence of the extremist group 'Islamic State'.

The mission is focused in Erbil; however, as Der Spiegel reports, around 300 German soldiers have recently been involved, most of whom are stationed in Jordan.