US withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany, US officials say
The United States is withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany, a move linked to growing tensions between President Donald Trump and European allies over the Iran war. The Pentagon stated the drawdown will return U.S. troop levels in Europe to pre-2022 levels and will be completed within six to twelve months. Germany, the largest U.S. military hub in Europe, has been criticized by Trump for not supporting U.S. operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
- ▪The U.S. is withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany in response to German criticism of American actions in the Iran conflict.
- ▪The troop reduction will last six to twelve months and will include the removal of a brigade combat team and cancellation of a planned long-range fires battalion deployment.
- ▪Germany hosts about 35,000 U.S. active-duty personnel and serves as a key military training hub in Europe.
- ▪German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated Europe was not consulted before U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran began in February.
- ▪The Pentagon justified the withdrawal by citing unhelpful rhetoric from Germany and lack of allied support for U.S. operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
US withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany, US officials saySign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxMilitary vehicles drive during the U.S. Army Combined Resolve exercise at the U.S. Army's southern Germany training facilities in Hohenfels, Germany, April 30, 2026. REUTERS/Angelika WarmuthPublished May 02, 2026, 05:48 AMUpdated May 02, 2026, 05:48 AMWASHINGTON, May 1 - The United States is withdrawing 5,000 troops from NATO ally Germany, the Pentagon announced on Friday, as a rift over the Iran war widens between President Donald Trump and Europe.Trump had threatened a drawdown in forces earlier this week after sparring with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said on Monday the Iranians were humiliating the U.S.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.