KABUL: The U.S. Department of Defense has confirmed plans to withdraw 5,000 American troops from Germany over the next 6 to 12 months.
According to Associated Press, citing Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, the withdrawal will affect about 14 percent of U.S. forces currently stationed in the country.
The decision has drawn criticism from members of the Democratic Party (United States), who argue the move could benefit Vladimir Putin and weaken U.S. strategic interests.
However, the Pentagon said the decision followed a comprehensive review of troop deployments in Europe, taking into account operational needs and the current situation.
U.S. Senator Jack Reed urged President Donald Trump to reconsider, warning that the move could have “irreversible consequences” for alliances and long-term national security.
The planned withdrawal comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Berlin, a development that has received widespread coverage in Western media.
U.S. to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany within a year, Democrats warn of risk
