US to cut troop levels in Germany by 5,000 amid Trump spat with Merz

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. US to cut troop levels in Germany by 5,000 amid Trump spat with Merz 8 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Max Matza Getty Images The US Department of Defence plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, amid a spat between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the war with Iran. The decision comes a day after Trump criticised Merz, who suggested the US had been "humiliated" by Iranian negotiators. In social media posts on Thursday, Trump said Merz was "doing a terrible job" and had "problems of all kinds", including on immigration and energy.

Trump has also suggested pulling US troops from Italy and Spain. The US has a significant military presence in Germany, with more than 36,000 active duty troops assigned to bases across the country as of last December. In a statement, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the order had come from Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth.

The Details

"This decision follows a thorough review of the Department's force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground," he said. "We expect the withdrawal to be completed over the next six to twelve months. " This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

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The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.