At the weekend, German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen announced that Berlin would not extend the mandate of Turkish southern border protection beyond the prescribed period. Likewise, with the batteries will be withdrawn and 250 German soldiers are currently part of the mission. Along with NATO partners have protected the Turkish people from possible missile attacks from Syria. Our Patriot missiles have successfully completed their mission, the German minister said. Turkey had earlier asked NATO to assist in strengthening the air defense against possible attacks from Syria. Part of the mission of missile defense were the US, Germany, the Netherlands, and finally and Spain. NATO forces are deployed near the city of Izmir 's, in southern Turkey, and since January 2013 have served in the mission about 400 Germans.