On Thursday, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani welcomed the decision by Germany’s government to once again extend the mandate of German forces in Iraq. 

“ISIS continues to pose a serious threat to Iraq and regional stability, and we greatly appreciate Germany’s continued contributions, together with international coalition partners, in combating terrorism,” Barzani said.

On Thursday, Germany’s Parliament approved the extension of the German army mission in Iraq with 389 votes in favor, 187 against, and one abstention. 

The vote supported the federal government’s proposal to continue the mission for another year until the end of January 2027, reported German media outlet Stern. 

The mandate, which remains essentially unchanged, continues to stipulate a personnel ceiling of 500 German soldiers.

In a statement on Friday, Germany’s Ministry of Defense said that the German Armed Forces will continue to participate in the fight against ISIS and in building the capabilities of the Iraqi armed and security forces. 

The mission aims to stabilize Iraq and promote reconciliation within the country.

Read More: German Support for Peshmerga and Regional Security

In 2014, after ISIS attacked the Kurdistan Region, Germany supplied the Peshmerga with weapons like G-36 rifles and MILAN anti-tank guided missiles, as well as armored vehicles and a significant quantity of ammunition. 

The German Armed Forces also provided training for the Peshmerga.