The Federal Government has decided to extend the deployment of the Federal Armed Forces in Iraq until 31 January 2027. The deployment is intended to permanently enable the regular Iraqi armed and security forces to guarantee security and stability in Iraq and prevent a resurgence of IS. To this end, the Federal Armed Forces will train and advise the armed forces and security forces. The Iraqi government had requested the continuation of support from Germany, since the threat from IS--Islamic State continues.   

The current Bundestag mandate, Counter-Daesh/Capacity Building Iraq (CD/CB-I), expired on 31 January 2026. The content of the mandate remains unchanged. Up to 500 soldiers from the Federal Armed Forces can continue to be deployed in Iraq. The German Bundestag has approved the resolution.    

One mandate – two missions

The CD/CB-I--Counter-Daesh/Capacity Building Iraq mandate currently consists of two pillars: The Federal Armed Forces have been participating in the international anti-IS and stabilisation mission Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR--Operation Inherent Resolve) since 2015. Through OIR--Operation Inherent Resolve, they and their international partners have made important progress in the fight against the terrorist organisation IS in the last few years.   

The Federal Armed Forces remain involved in NATO Mission Iraq (NMI), which is working to build the capabilities of the regular Iraqi armed forces and security forces. The extension of the mandate covers both missions. 

According to its mandate, the remit of the Federal Armed Forces in Iraq comprises:

• In-flight refuelling using tanker aircraft
• Air transport for international organisations, allies and partners
• Maritime and airspace surveillance as part of NATO’s AWACS--Airborne Early Warning and Control System
• Advisory support for international partners as part of capacity-building efforts
• Carrying out consultation and coordination tasks in Iraq
• Development of the capabilities of the regular Iraqi armed forces and security forces
• Medical service and first aid tasks

End of deployment in Iraq

On 30 September 2026, the deployment of German armed troops in Iraq came to an end because the Iraqi government had withdrawn its consent for the deployment. The presence of the Federal Armed Forces in Jordan as part of OIR will continue unabated.