Bundestag extends German security mission in Iraq

Germany's lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, has extended the mandate for the deployment of German soldiers to stabilize Iraq for a further 15 months.

A clear majority of 539 of the lawmakers present in the Bundestag in Berlin voted in favour of the continuation. There were 93 votes against and two abstentions.

The German army is supporting Iraq by training soldiers. German troops are assisting the efforts of the NATO Mission Iraq and Operation Inherent Resolve, the US-led campaign against Islamic State.

The new mandate now runs until January 31, 2026, with up to 500 German soldiers deployed at any one time.

For years, Islamic State controlled large areas of Iraq and neighbouring Syria, which is embroiled in a civil conflict.

The extremists have since lost their territory, but Islamic State cells remain active in both countries.

The United States leads a military alliance in the region to fight the terrorist militia.