The situation in the Middle East is extremely tense. The Bundeswehr is preparing to rescue Germans from Lebanon – various missions are possible.
If the situation in the Middle East escalates, the situation can turn from a state of tension into immediate danger – also for thousands of Germans in the region. The Bundeswehr has soldiers, aircraft and equipment ready to rescue its own citizens – and in previous cases also people from friendly countries. This task is part of the German armed forces’ National Crisis Preparedness (NatKV). However, soldiers do not necessarily have to be deployed.
What is the starting point?
Germans abroad are asked to register on the Foreign Office’s crisis preparedness list (Elefand). In so-called letters to compatriots, they are informed by email or text message about the crisis situation, possible departures, and later also evacuation measures and assembly points. Experience shows that initial calls to leave the country are practically never fully complied with. The reason for this can be professional or family obligations, or a different assessment of the situation, or even carelessness. There are also more people with multiple nationalities. If conditions permit, the Foreign Office can still send civilian charter planes, even after airlines have ceased operations.
When does the Bundeswehr come into play?
The military is sent in response to a decision by the federal government and when other options are too dangerous. The Bundeswehr writes: “Depending on the security situation on site, there are three escalation levels. The quick air pick-up is the most straightforward option. Then the air force sends planes and brings the compatriots home. In a quick air evacuation, those entitled to protection are registered at a collection point and flown out. The robust air evacuation means that the people have to be fought to free if necessary.” This requires a precise picture of the situation and – wherever possible – precise agreements with the conflicting parties in order to avoid dangerous misunderstandings.
What forces are available for this?
It may be a fortunate coincidence that the German frigate “Hamburg” is on its way to the Mediterranean for a mission as part of the Aspides military mission in the Red Sea. The warship is currently cruising between the Greek islands and is equipped to combat air targets and protect units on land and at sea. It also has long-range guided missiles. The frigate can be a floating operations center or can take on people on shore. In addition, A400M transport aircraft are available at Wunstorf Air Base for deployment by the Air Force and Army. The Rapid Forces Division (DSK) then provides soldiers for such missions. Planning was also underway on Tuesday in the details – for example, whether a rescue aircraft (Medevac) needs to be planned – without an initial deployment order being given.
What experience is available?
In April last year, the German army flew more than 700 Germans and citizens from around 40 other nations out of fighting-torn Sudan under military protection. Paratroopers, the Special Forces Command (KSK) and the GSG9 of the Federal Police were involved. Almost two years earlier, the German army flew more than 4,500 people out of Kabul under sometimes dramatic circumstances following the victory of the Islamist Taliban. Since October last year, there have been capacities in Cyprus for a Middle East evacuation, but these have since been significantly reduced.
How many people could potentially be affected?
At the beginning of the week, 2,100 German citizens registered in Lebanon on the crisis preparedness list. This country is of particular concern, as southern Lebanon, with its Hezbollah military facility, will probably be a major scene of fighting in the event of an attack by the Iranian-allied militia on Israel. In the previous week, only 1,300 Germans had registered in Lebanon. The Lufthansa Group, as well as other airlines, have now temporarily suspended their flights to and from Beirut. It is unclear exactly how many Germans are still in the country.
Who pays for such an evacuation? How much does it cost?
There is a recent example. The Bundestag retrospectively gave a mandate for air rescue from Sudan in 2023. It showed costs totaling around 22.4 million euros, which will be “covered from individual budget 14, chapter 1401, title group 08”. The money therefore came from the defense budget.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
