Germany says US troop withdrawal 'foreseeable' as Nato seeks clarification
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the US decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany was foreseeable, while NATO seeks clarification from Washington. The move follows criticism by former President Donald Trump of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over comments on US-Iran negotiations. NATO and European allies express concern that the withdrawal could weaken transatlantic security cooperation.
- ▪The US currently has more than 36,000 active duty troops in Germany, its largest military presence in Europe.
- ▪NATO is seeking clarification from the US about the troop withdrawal, which is expected to be completed within six to twelve months.
- ▪German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized US negotiations with Iran, prompting a backlash from Donald Trump and the subsequent troop withdrawal announcement.
- ▪Senior US Republicans Roger Wicker and Mike Rogers expressed concern over the withdrawal, emphasizing the need for a strong US deterrent in Europe.
- ▪Germany is projected to spend 3.1% of GDP on defence by 2027, including aid to Ukraine, up from previous levels below NATO's 2% target.
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Germany says US troop withdrawal 'foreseeable' as Nato seeks clarification8 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleJaroslav LukivEPA-EFE/REX/ShutterstockThe US currently has more than 36,000 active duty troops in GermanyGerman Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said the US decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from his country was "foreseeable", as the Nato military alliance says it is seeking clarification from Washington.Speaking to the DPA news agency, Pistorius also stressed that "the presence of American soldiers in Europe, and particularly in Germany, is in our interest and in the interest of the US".Meanwhile Nato spokeswoman Allison Hart said the alliance was "working with the US to understand the details of their decision".Washington's move comes after President Donald Trump…
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