Special to WorldTribune.com

LONDON — Germany has announced arms shipments to the Kurdish Regional Government.

The Berlin government has agreed to send a range of weapons and munitions to KRG forces in northern Iraq.

The German Defense Ministry said the arms would suffice for 4,000 Kurdish troops, known as Peshmerga, assigned to fight Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

“The Peshmerga is in urgent need of assistance of appropriate military equipment to resist ISIL,” the Defense Ministry said.

In a statement on Aug. 31, the Defense Ministry said KRG would receive five Dingo armored fighting vehicles, 30 Milan anti-tank guided missile systems and 8,000 G-36 assault rifles and ammunition. The ministry said the equipment would begin to arrive at the end of September 2014.

Germany also plans to supply the KRG military with body armor and communications. The Defense Ministry said the arms and equipment would be delivered in coordination with the United States.

“To coordinate, the Defense Ministry has already sent six soldiers to the German consulate in Irbil,” the Defense Ministry said. “If training is required it will take place in Germany. If this is not practical, it will
take place in the Irbil region or a third country.”

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