Trump Plans Further Troop Reduction in Germany

Berlin. US President Donald Trump has said he plans to withdraw even more troops from Germany than the initially announced 5,000 soldiers. 

Speaking to reporters on Saturday before boarding Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, he said, "We are making big cuts, and it will be more than 5,000."

Earlier, the US Department of Defense Pentagon had announced that about 5,000 soldiers would be withdrawn within the next 6 to 12 months after a review of the US military presence in Europe. Trump's statement comes after German Chancellor Friedrich Matsle commented that the US was humiliated in its conflict with Iran. Tensions have risen between European leaders and the Trump administration after the US launched military action against Iran without informing most NATO allies.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, however, downplayed the decision as predictable and its impact. He said it shows the need for Europe to take more responsibility for its own security. Ramstein Air Base in Germany is the headquarters of the US Air Force in Europe. From here, activities such as air transport, airdrops, and aeromedical rescue are conducted. Additionally, NATO has a significant military structure there.