Pentagon chief announces review of US forces in Europe, slams NATO allies
Summary
The United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a review of US troop deployments in Europe that will last up to six months. He warned NATO allies that the US might reduce support and withhold payments if they do not meet their defense spending promises.Key Facts
- The review will include talks with the US Congress, which requires a minimum US troop presence in Europe.
- Hegseth criticized some NATO allies for not supporting the US during its conflict with Iran.
- The US plans to reduce some warships, aircraft, and other military resources available to NATO.
- The goal is to encourage Europe to take more responsibility for its own defense.
- NATO allies and Canada recently increased their defense spending by $90 billion, a 20% rise from last year.
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the US reductions in crisis forces are already happening immediately.
- Some NATO countries have offered to increase their contributions to NATO’s crisis pool to fill gaps left by US reductions.
- The US reductions include fewer refueling aircraft, fighter jets, drones, and ships, according to a military source.
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