Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani has welcomed Germany’s recent decision to extend its troop deployment in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region until the end of 2027.
Speaking on the announcement, President Barzani praised Berlin’s ongoing commitment to military and security cooperation, emphasizing that Germany has played a critical role in supporting stability in the region. He also warned that ISIS continues to pose a serious threat and highlighted the importance of sustained international efforts to prevent its resurgence.
President Barzani noted that Germany’s extended mission strengthens the ability of Kurdish security forces, including the Peshmerga, to defend civilians and maintain regional stability.
He stated that collaboration with international partners, particularly through training, advisory support, and intelligence sharing, remains vital to countering terrorist threats. He added that Germany’s €109 million contribution for 2026 demonstrates a strong commitment to both humanitarian assistance and security operations.
Moreover, President Barzani stressed that defeating ISIS requires long-term cooperation between local forces and international allies. He underlined that security support should be coupled with political and social measures to ensure lasting peace across northern Iraq.
Barzani also called on other international actors to maintain their engagement and continue backing coordinated regional strategies.
Since 2014, Germany has invested more than €3 billion in security and humanitarian aid in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. The extended mandate will allow German troops to continue training Peshmerga forces, supply military equipment, and contribute to broader security sector reforms.
President Barzani concluded by reaffirming that international solidarity, strong partnerships, and vigilance are crucial to preventing the return of ISIS and protecting the people of the Kurdistan Region.