German Cabinet approves mandate for troop deployment to Iraq

The German Cabinet on Wednesday gave its backing to a renewed nine-month mandate for its military mission in Iraq, reported dpa.

As before, the mandate provides for a maximum of 500 personnel in the country, this time until October 31.

Part of the German soldiers' mission in Iraq is contributing to the fight against the terrorist militia Islamic State.

The Bundeswehr will provide "air refueling, air transport, air surveillance and situational awareness capabilities as well as staff," according to Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht.

According to the new mandate, Germany formally ends Syria's status as a site of military operations after air force operations ended there in March 2020. A supply base remains operational in Jordan.

The mandate still needs to be approved in a vote in parliament.