Germany approves withdrawal of troops from Turkey's Incirlik airbase

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World Defense & Security News - Germany
 
 
Germany approves withdrawal of troops from Turkey's Incirlik airbase
 
German Cabinet on Wednesday decided to withdraw garrisons at a Turkish airbase following a renewed spat with Ankara. Over 250 military personnel stationed in Incirlik, southeastern Turkey, along with their jets and equipment will be redeployed to Jordan's al-Asraq base, according to German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen.
     
Two German Tornado fighter jets deployed in Turkey
(Credit: Bundeswehr/Bärwald/Falk Bärwald)
     
Von der Leyen earlier in the day confirmed that Jordan had approved hosting the troops.

German parliament will vote on the decision later this month. Most of the parties agreed on the motion, according to German local media.

The decision was triggered following the recent diplomatic row between Berlin and Ankara.

Turkey flatly refused to let German lawmakers visit the German air force in Incirlik, in response to Germany's refusal to turn in Turkish army officers involved in the 2016 coup against the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Despite talks held on Monday, foreign ministers from both the countries failed to reach a consensus.

The German air force base in Incirlik is tasked with reconnaissance and refuelling for allies as part of the international campaign against the terror group Islamic State.

Von der Leyen said there would be a temporary suspension of surveillance flights for a few weeks.