German soldiers in the Middle East are on high alert following Iranian counterattacks.
Although Germany is not involved in the war in Iran, its military, the Bundeswehr, has been affected by Iranian counterattacks that hit some bases in the Middle East, including locations in Iraq and Jordan. No German soldiers were injured.
A spokesperson confirmed that an attack targeted a military base near Erbil in northern Iraq and another struck a Bundeswehr base in Jordan. Protective measures, accommodations, and air defense systems prevented casualties. The Defense Ministry emphasized that German forces were not the direct target and only operate as “guests” alongside US and other international troops.
Germany currently has around 500 soldiers stationed in the Middle East across two missions. More than 200 troops, including a naval frigate, support the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), securing maritime borders and training the Lebanese Navy. The mission’s mandate, extended until June 30, faces uncertainty amid escalating regional tensions.
In Iraq and Jordan, the Bundeswehr contributes to the international anti-Islamic State mission, officially named Counter Daesh/Capacity Building Iraq/NATOMission Iraq. German troops primarily advise forces in Erbil and Baghdad, and support the mission with tanker aircraft and air transport to enable a rapid withdrawal if needed.
Defense Minister بوريس بيستوريوس assured the Bundestag that Germany is not a party to the war and will not participate. Still, the Bundeswehr’s operational command is reassessing the safety of its Middle East contingents hourly, while the broader demands of 17 international missions across three continents continue to stretch German military resources.