By Alexander Whitcomb

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — A cargo plane carrying the first delivery of high-tech German weapons arrived in Erbil today, ready to boost Kurdish Peshmerga forces in the fight against Islamic State militants.

"We assure you that we are beside you to tackle this crisis," German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen told Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) President Massoud Barzani at a press conference.

“It is clear that a lot of support has arrived but more is needed,” she added.

The minister landed in Erbil shortly after a plane full of German-made military goods, a second tranche that is designed to outfit a 4,000 soldier brigade. The first delivery of non-lethal goods arrived earlier this month.

The plane's cargo includes 520 G3 assault rifles, 20 heavy machine guns, 50 anti-tank rockets, protective eyewear, and medical equipment. Subsequent deliveries are expected in October, with the total value estimated at $89 million.

The weapons are part of an international effort to equip and train an under-armed Peshmerga force which found itself outgunned by Islamic State (IS or ISIS) forces, particularly before the United States intervened in the conflict with airstrikes that began last month.

IS is in possession of sophisticated military hardware, stolen from the retreating or defeated Iraqi Army and various Syrian forces.

Barzani emphasized the importance of international support, stating "we are fighting ISIS on behalf of the world."

He complained about the quality of the materiel sent so far by international partners, and heartily welcomed the newly-arrived supply. The German defense minister expressed an interest in examining the weapons the Kurds have received thus far.

Seven German soldiers arrived in the semi-autonomous region last week to train Kurdish fighters on how to use MILAN antitank-weapons. Meanwhile, Kurdish officers will be sent to Germany later this month, for further MILAN training.

During her stay, Von der Leyen will meet with other high-ranking defense officials and German officers on the ground.

The visit is the second high-level arrival from Germany in two months. Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier came to the region following the devastating IS offensive against Yezidis and other minorities in early August.

Van den Leyen arrived in Erbil ready to congratulate her partners on their military and humanitarian efforts.

“I am going to convey to the Kurds our absolute respect, and that they are the ones who rose up against ISIS,” she told the German press in anticipation of the visit.


Rudaw