Middle East Conflict - The instruments for evacuation are on high alert.
If the situation in the Middle East escalates, the situation for thousands of Germans could quickly turn from a tense situation into immediate danger. The German military, the Bundeswehr, keeps soldiers, aircraft, and material ready to rescue its own citizens, as well as citizens of friendly states in previous cases. This task is part of the National Crisis Management (NatKV) of the German Armed Forces. However, soldiers may not necessarily be deployed.
What is the current situation?
Germans abroad are urged to register in the crisis preparedness list of the Federal Foreign Office (AA). They are informed via email or SMS about the crisis situation, exit possibilities, and later also evacuation measures and collection points. Experience shows that initial calls for departure are rarely fully heeded. This can be due to professional or family obligations, or a different assessment of the situation, up to and including recklessness. There are also more people with multiple citizenships. If conditions permit, the Federal Foreign Office can still send civilian charter aircraft, even after airlines have stopped operating.
When does the Bundeswehr come into play?
The military is sent based on a decision by the Federal Government and when other options are too dangerous. The Bundeswehr states: "Depending on the security situation on site, there are three escalation levels. The quick air rescue is the simplest variant. Then, the Air Force sends aircraft and brings the countrymen home. In a quick air evacuation, those entitled to protection are registered and flown out at a collection point. The robust air evacuation means that people may have to be freed by force if necessary." A precise situation picture is necessary for this, and - wherever possible - precise coordination with the conflict parties to avoid dangerous misunderstandings.
Which forces are available for this?
It could be fortunate that the German frigate "Hamburg" is currently underway in the Mediterranean as part of the military mission Aspides in the Red Sea. The warship is currently cruising between the Greek islands and is equipped for air target combat and the protection of land and sea alliances. It also has far-reaching guided missiles. The frigate can serve as a floating operations center or take people from coasts. Moreover, transport aircraft A400M are ready for deployment by the Air Force and Army at the Wunstorf air base. The Rapid Forces Division (DSK) then provides soldiers for such deployments. Plans are being made in detail - for example, whether a rescue aircraft (Medevac) needs to be planned - without an initial deployment order having been given yet.
What experiences are there?
In April last year, the Bundeswehr militarily protected and evacuated more than 700 Germans and citizens of around 40 other nations from the conflict-shaken Sudan. Paratroopers, the Special Forces Command (KSK), and the GSG9 of the Federal Police were involved. Almost two years earlier, the Bundeswehr evacuated more than 4,500 people under sometimes dramatic circumstances from Kabul after the victory of the Islamic Taliban. Since October last year, capacities for an evacuation in the Middle East have been available on Cyprus, but they have since been significantly reduced.
How many people could potentially be affected?
At the start of the week, 2,100 German citizens registered on the crisis preparedness list for the Lebanon. The focus is particularly on this country, as the southern Lebanon, with its military installations of Hezbollah, would likely be a main theater of operations in case of an attack by the Iran-backed militia on Israel. Previously, only 1,300 Germans had registered in Lebanon. The Lufthansa group, along with other airlines, has temporarily suspended flights to and from Beirut. It remains unclear exactly how many Germans are still in the country.
Who pays for such an evacuation? What does it cost?
A recent example is the airlift from Sudan in 2023, which was retroactively equipped with a mandate by the Bundestag. It showed costs of around 22.4 million euros, which were covered "from individual plan 14 chapter 1401 title group 08". The money thus came from the defense budget.
The German military's readiness to intervene in the Middle East extends beyond its own citizens, as it has previously aided citizens of friendly states during crises. The current situation in Lebanon, with over 2,100 German citizens registered on the crisis preparedness list, could potentially require the Bundeswehr's involvement if the situation escalates.
