The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has led to counterattacks endangering German soldiers in Jordan and Iraq as well as civilians in Dubai. More than 500 Bundeswehr soldiers are stationed in the region, and drone attacks occurred at two sites. In Dubai, residents were woken by rocket alerts.
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated since the US and Israel's attack on Iran. Iranian counterattacks have impacted neighboring countries, including the United Arab Emirates and sites with German troops.
In Dubai, a metropolis in the UAE, Sebastian Weißschnur and his family were woken at 12:30 a.m. on Saturday night to Sunday by an alarm. The Interior Ministry's message warned of a potential rocket threat due to the current situation. Residents were to seek immediate shelter in safe buildings and stay away from windows, doors, and open areas. Weißschnur, who has lived in Dubai with his wife and child for ten years, reports: "We ran to the underground garage and spent two hours there until the all-clear was given." Others spent the night in their cars. The business consultant considered the attack on Iran unsurprising given events in recent weeks, but "that it has such impacts on Dubai, few expected that."
At the same time, more than 500 German soldiers in international missions in Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon are at risk. Over the weekend, there were attacks in Erbil (Iraq) and Al Azraq (Jordan). A spokesman for the Bundeswehr's Operational Command confirmed to the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND) that the attacks were repelled. "The German soldiers were obviously not the immediate target," he emphasized. The soldiers were in safe shelters and are well; there was no material damage. Near Erbil airport, several drones were shot down on Sunday, where US and international troops, including Bundeswehr soldiers, are stationed.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD), who visited both sites in December 2024, is coordinating with local commanders on Monday. The Bundeswehr had withdrawn non-essential personnel from Erbil in recent weeks due to rising tensions; this is being considered for Jordan. In Iraq, the Bundeswehr supports soldier training to prevent an IS resurgence, focusing on Erbil, where about 300 soldiers were recently deployed, most in Jordan. Al Azraq serves as a hub for further missions. In Lebanon, the Bundeswehr assists in securing borders and sea routes and training the navy; the mandate runs until June 30, 2026. Lebanon is involved through the Iran-backed Hezbollah.
