On October 17, 2024, the German Bundestag approved an extension of the military mandate for German forces in Iraq, with a significant majority of 539 votes in favor and 93 against. The new mandate allows for the deployment of up to 500 German soldiers to continue their support in training Iraqi forces and combating the resurgence of ISIS.
This extension will remain in effect until January 31, 2026, providing an additional four months beyond the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for late September 2025. German troops are involved in NATO's 'NMI' training mission in Iraq, as well as in 'Operation Inherent Resolve'.
Despite ISIS losing control over large territories in Iraq and neighboring Syria, active cells remain in both countries. The United States leads a military coalition in the region against ISIS and is planning a reorganization of its military presence in Iraq, transitioning from an international coalition to a bilateral security partnership.
In another significant development, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced the establishment of a new NATO maritime command in Rostock, set to open on October 21, 2024. This command will involve collaboration from eleven NATO member states, including Poland, Denmark, and the UK, enhancing NATO's strategic role in the Baltic Sea region.
Contrary to claims circulating on social media, the new command center does not violate the 'Two Plus Four' Treaty, which regulates military presence in Germany. Experts clarified that the command will not host NATO troops but will facilitate multinational cooperation for military and civilian data collection in the Baltic region.