Pentagon considering withdrawal of 25,000 US troops from Europe
Washington (ANTARA) - The Pentagon is considering the withdrawal of approximately 25,000 or more United States (US) troops from Europe, which could potentially reduce nearly one-third of the US military presence on the continent, according to an NBC News report on Thursday (17/9).
The proposed troop reduction could even be larger, reaching as many as 40,000 personnel, according to NBC, citing active and former US and Western officials aware of the discussions. Currently, around 80,000 US troops are stationed in Europe.
According to the report, no final decision has been made yet.
Germany, Italy, and Spain, which host some of the largest US troop deployments in Europe, are among the countries likely to be affected.
The various options under consideration are part of a six-month Pentagon review of the US military presence in Europe.
General Alexus Grynkewich, who leads US European Command and also serves as the Supreme Allied Commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), is expected to present an initial analysis to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Friday, according to NBC.
The assessment is expected to include several options involving air, sea, and land forces, as well as the potential relocation of some US troops to NATO’s eastern flank.
According to the report, Hegseth is expected to receive final recommendations on 6 November before any proposals are submitted to President Donald Trump.
The Trump administration has long argued that European nations should take greater responsibility for their conventional defence, while the US focuses additional military resources on other regions.
The potential reduction has sparked concerns among several European parliamentarians and governments. They have warned that a rapid troop withdrawal could affect NATO’s ability to deter Russia.
NBC also reported that the State Department and the Pentagon hold differing views regarding the review process.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly intervened in June after the Pentagon prepared to provide explanations to NATO defence ministers regarding the possibility of large-scale troop reductions.
The report emerges as several senators have separately requested that Rubio ensure the State Department and US diplomats are fully involved in the review of the troop posture.