Germany sends aid to Iraq

The first plane set off for Irbil, capital of the semi-autonomous Kurdish region of Iraq, carrying medicines, food and blankets and further aid flights were planned for the day.

Ursula von der Leyen said Iraqi troops are trained on and wanted weapons from the former Soviet Union, adding: "Germany does not have such weapon systems and could also not deliver them."

The country is currently considering sending equipment such as protective helmets and vests, she noted.

But in an interview with Germany's Bild, von der Leyen said: "Generally, if a genocide can be prevented with German weapons, then we must help."