Germany's Der Spiegel magazine reported on Friday that Berlin intends to withdraw its troops from the city of Erbil in northern Iraq and close a field camp there, following American moves to reduce its forces.

The magazine added, based on a briefing to the parliamentary defense committee, that German forces will withdraw by the end of next September, noting that about 30 German soldiers are currently at the camp located on the outskirts of Erbil airport.

Germany has already implemented a significant reduction in its troop presence in the Middle East due to security concerns arising from the Iran war.

A spokesman for the German Defense Ministry said that a briefing on the matter has already taken place and that Germany intends to reduce the number of soldiers there in the long term, without providing any details on the timing or numbers.

He added: 'I would like to emphasize that we are only reducing our presence, and we will continue to provide vital support services, such as those to the Peshmerga forces. For this purpose, a team of military advisors will remain at the embassy.'

German forces have been stationed in Erbil for years as part of Berlin's contribution to the international coalition against ISIS, providing training, advice, and support to the Kurdish Peshmerga forces.

When asked whether US plans played a role in this step, the German Defense Ministry spokesman replied that the decision was made in coordination with partners.

The spokesman said during a press conference: 'There is no single decisive partner here. Rather, it concerns everyone together.'

In 2024, Washington and Baghdad reached an understanding on plans for the withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Iraq.