Western media are reporting about the imminent dissolution of at least one elite company of the German elite special unit, the KSK Kommando Spezialkräfte. The information has been announced by German Defense Minister, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer.

Kramp-Karrenbauer plans to restructure the command of the Bundeswehr Special Forces (KSK) following numerous allegations of extreme-right extremism among its ranks, including listening to Nazi music and performing Nazi greeting gestures (so-called "hailing'') during one of the farewell events, and possession by one of its NCOs a considerable amounts of weapons, ammunition and explosives stolen from the unit, which were found by police in the soldier's apartment in May.

According to "Die Welt", Kramp-Karrenbauer will soon announce structural reforms of the KSK unit, including the dissolution of one of its four battle companies - about 70 soldiers would be affected.

KSK has been part of the German army since 1996. The group is intended for anti-terrorist operations and hostages rescue from hostile territory. Members of the formation served in Afghanistan and the Balkans, but the units operations are kept secret.

According to Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer, KSK has "become partially independent" from the chain of command and developed a "toxic leadership culture."

The minister added that as such the unit "cannot continue to exist in its present form."

KSK Chief Commander, Markus Kreitmayr, is expected to remain in office, but the unit will not participate in exercises or international missions until the restructuring is completed.

Source: sofrep.com, dw.com