US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany amid Trump-Merz tensions

The United States Department of Defense has announced plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany over the next six to twelve months.

This decision follows escalating tensions between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz concerning the war in Iran and NATO commitments.

The troop reduction was ordered by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth after a comprehensive review of military force posture in Europe.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated the move reflects theater requirements and conditions on the ground.

The US currently maintains a significant military presence in Germany, with over 36,000 active duty troops stationed across various bases as of December last year.

The withdrawal will reduce this number substantially.

This development comes amid a public dispute between Trump and Merz.

Merz criticized the US approach to Iran, suggesting the Americans had been "humiliated" by Iranian negotiators.

Trump responded by criticizing Merz's leadership and hinted at further troop withdrawals from other NATO allies, including Italy and Spain.

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