Headlines
Germany pulls further troops out of middle east
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 6, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 6, 2026
Quick Summary
Germany is further reducing its military footprint in the Middle East amid escalating U.S.–Israeli–Iran tensions. Bundeswehr troops from UNIFIL in Lebanon, Erbil in Iraq, and Bahrain are being withdrawn, with relocation efforts underway for embassy and support staff.
Germany Reduces Middle East Troop Presence Citing Security Situation
German Military Adjustments in the Middle East
Withdrawal of Bundeswehr Troops
BERLIN, March 6 (Reuters) - Germany has pulled additional Bundeswehr troops out of the Middle East, a military spokesman told Reuters on Friday, the seventh day of a U.S.–Israeli war on Iran that has convulsed the region.
UNIFIL Mission in Lebanon
Soldiers deployed with the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon are being withdrawn due to the security situation, the spokesperson said after the Bundeswehr already sharply reduced its presence in Erbil in northern Iraq.
Troop Movements in Bahrain and Kuwait
The RND newspaper network, which first reported the news, said that German troops stationed in Bahrain had already returned home, and preparations for withdrawals from Kuwait were underway. The spokesperson declined to comment on this.
Relocation of Embassy Staff and Soldiers
Baghdad Embassy Staff to Jordan
The RND report also said that soldiers and staff from the German embassy in Baghdad were being relocated to Jordan. The foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment from Reuters on the move.
Current Deployment Numbers
Roughly 500 German soldiers are deployed across the region, mainly in Iraq and Jordan. Officials have recently moved personnel out of camps and reduced some contingents amid heightened security risks.
(Reporting by Markus Wacket, Writing by Friederike HeineEditing by Ludwig Burger)
Key Takeaways
- •Germany has withdrawn additional Bundeswehr troops from Lebanon’s UNIFIL mission due to worsening regional security.
- •Non-essential personnel have been pulled from Erbil in northern Iraq; troops returned from Bahrain with Kuwait withdrawals in preparation stage.
- •Roughly 500 German soldiers remain deployed across the region, mainly in Iraq and Jordan, while embassy staff relocations from Baghdad to Jordan are underway.
Frequently Asked Questions about Germany pulls further troops out of Middle East
1Why is Germany withdrawing troops from the Middle East?
Germany is withdrawing troops due to a heightened security situation amid the ongoing U.S.–Israeli conflict with Iran.
2Which German deployments are affected by the withdrawal?
German deployments affected include soldiers in Lebanon, Iraq (Erbil), Bahrain, and preparations for withdrawal from Kuwait.
3Are German embassy staff also being relocated?
Yes, German soldiers and embassy staff in Baghdad are being relocated to Jordan for security reasons.
4How many German soldiers are stationed in the Middle East?
Roughly 500 German soldiers are currently deployed across the region, mainly in Iraq and Jordan.
