US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany in next 6-12 months amid Trump’s row with Berlin over Iran war

Germany’s defence minister Boris Pistorius said on Saturday the withdrawal of American troops from Germany had been expected and that Europe needed to do more to ensure its own security. PIC/PTI

The United States will withdraw about 5000 troops from Germany in the next six to 12 months, the Pentagon said Friday, fulfilling President Donald Trump's threat as he clashes with the German leader over the US's war with Iran. Trump had threatened to withdraw some troops from the NATO ally earlier this week after Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the US was being "humiliated" by the Iranian leadership and criticised Washington's lack of strategy in the war.

Ain Baal, Lebanon. PIC/PTI

The number of troops leaving Germany would be 14 per cent of the 36,000 American service members stationed there. "The presence of American soldiers in Europe, and especially in Germany, is in our interest and in the interest of the US," said German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, adding that European allies needed to adjust their defence postures.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement that the "decision follows a thorough review of the Department's force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theatre requirements and conditions on the ground." Germany hosts several US military facilities, including the headquarters of its European and Africa commands, where casualties from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were treated. US nuclear missiles are also stationed in the country.

Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon kill 7

US President Donald Trump. Pic/PTI

Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon killed at least seven people and wounded others on Saturday as hostilities continued between Israel and Hezbollah despite a ceasefire. The Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon Saturday came as Israel's military issued a new warning for residents of nine southern villages to evacuate. Israel's military and Lebanon's Hezbollah have kept up their attacks despite a ceasefire in place since April 17.

US threatens shipping firms with sanctions over toll to Iran

The United States is warning shipping companies that they could face sanctions for making payments to Iran to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The alert posted Friday by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control adds another layer of pressure in the standoff between the US and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz. About a fifth of the world's trade in oil and natural gas typically passes through the strait at the mouth of West Asia in peacetime.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever