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U.S. Withdraws 5,000 Troops From Germany
The Pentagon announced plans to withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany over the next 6-12 months, reducing the current force of 36,000 by 14%. The decision follows a review of U.S. military posture in Europe and comes amid tensions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the U.S.-Israel war against Iran. Thousands of U.S. personnel will remain at key facilities in the country.
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The Pentagon announced on Friday that the United States will withdraw approximately 5,000 troops from Germany within the next 6 to 12 months. This move reduces the current U.S. military presence of 36,000 service members in Germany by about 14%. The announcement follows a thorough review of the Department of Defense's force posture in Europe, recognizing theater requirements and conditions on the ground.
Germany hosts several major U.S. military facilities, including the headquarters for U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, Ramstein Air Base, and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, the largest American hospital outside the United States. The U.S. military has more personnel in Germany than in any other foreign country except Japan.
Their role extends beyond Europe, supporting global projection of American power.
Merz stated that the U.S. was being humiliated by Iranian leadership and criticized Washington's lack of strategy in the conflict. The Pentagon's statement did not directly reference the dispute.
“The decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground.”
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell issued the statement confirming the withdrawal. Earlier this week, threats were made to reduce troops in the NATO ally. Merz's criticisms focused on U.S. handling of the Iran war.
