The German parliament approved a 15-month extension of the country's military mission in Iraq on Thursday, following the government’s request made in September. The decision involves up to 500 soldiers who will continue to support Iraqi and Peshmerga forces until January 31, 2026.

During a Bundestag session, lawmakers debated the bill for 40 minutes, leading to a vote where 444 members supported the extension, while 93 voted against it, and two abstained. The decision was made with 539 members present.

German troops are stationed in both Baghdad and Erbil as part of the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS). Despite its territorial defeat, IS remains a security threat through insurgent activities, particularly in areas disputed between Baghdad and Erbil. The coalition's mission is focused on ensuring IS’s enduring defeat, a goal shared by NATO, which also deploys German forces in Iraq, particularly in security sector reform.

Germany has played a critical role in supporting Peshmerga forces by providing training, logistical aid, and military equipment, including MILAN anti-tank missiles, which have been instrumental in ongoing anti-IS operations.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani expressed gratitude for Germany’s continued support, emphasizing the importance of combating IS for regional security. Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, echoed this sentiment on social media, tweeting:

"I greatly welcome the decision of the German government and parliament to extend the mandate of German troops serving in Iraq. ISIS remains a serious threat to Iraq, regional security and stability. I highly value the presence and contributions of our international coalition partners in the ongoing fight against terror."

The extension underscores Germany’s commitment to aiding Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in securing long-term stability amidst the ongoing threat posed by IS.