politics
US Announces Withdrawal of 5,000 Troops from Germany
The US has announced the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany following criticism from the German chancellor over a US-Israeli attack on Iran. This decision has escalated tensions within NATO, with allies expressing concerns about the alliance's stability. Upcoming multinational military exercises are proceeding despite the ongoing diplomatic frictions.
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The White House stated on Friday that the US would withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany. Up to 90,000 American troops are based in Europe, with about 35,000 in Germany, which serves as a main logistics and medical hub, particularly at Ramstein base. Around 13,000 US personnel are in Italy, where the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet is based in Naples, and 3,800 are in Spain.
NATO is preparing to launch a multinational military exercise called Sword 26 in Europe, involving 5,000 US personnel and 10,000 from allied nations. The exercise will focus on operations from the Baltic to the Black Sea. The Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus G Grynkewich, told the US Senate's armed services committee in March that key posture locations in Europe preserve military options and enable rapid deployment of forces.
Republican Representative Don Bacon stated on Thursday that continued attacks on NATO allies are counterproductive and hurt Americans. He noted that two major airfields in Germany provide access to three continents. "The continued attacks on Nato allies are counterproductive, the comments hurt Americans." — Republican Representative Don Bacon, Thursday.
The US controls operations in Africa from European bases and has conducted missions in Libya, Iraq, and Syria from there. Deployment to areas like the Sahel in north Africa relies on these facilities, which are part of NATO infrastructure. US vice-president JD Vance visited US military members at Ramstein air base in April 2025 during a refueling stop.
The alliance requires members to participate in joint defense but is not structured for offensive operations. The US did not consult NATO allies before the attack on Iran but has been angered by their reluctance to get involved. Western powers are focused on countering Russian military actions and soft power operations.
A Dutch Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter and Swedish Stridsfordon 90 vehicles participated in a NATO combat display in southern Sweden on April 29, 2026.
