Thousands of US troops to begin moving out of Germany within weeks – Pentagon chief

29 Jul, 2020 13:31 / Updated 31 seconds ago

Get short URL

The US will begin redeploying troops stationed in Germany within weeks, Defense Secretary Mark Esper has said. Half of its 12,000 troops will return home, and half will move to European countries like Italy.

The plans follow up on US President Donald Trump’s vow last month to pull out a portion of American troops stationed in Germany. Trump made the move after repeatedly criticizing his NATO ally for failing to increase defense spending.

Esper told reporters on Wednesday that out of 11,900 American soldiers to be moved from Germany, around 6,400 will return to the US, and 5,600 will be redeployed to other NATO countries.

The troops staying in Europe will be moved to Italy and Belgium, US Air Force General Tod Wolters, commander of the US European Command, said.

DETAILS TO FOLLOW