US to withdraw more than 11,000 troops from Europe

The United States vowed Thursday to retain close military ties to its European allies after unveiling plans to withdraw more than 11,000 troops from Germany and Italy as part of a strategic shift to Asia.

"No one should equate lower numbers of US troops permanently stationed in Europe with declining engagement with our European partners," Pentagon press secretary George Little told reporters.

The details of the troop reduction, which include two Army brigades and two air squadrons, were announced as Defense Secretary Leon Panetta hosted his German counterpart, Thomas de Maiziere, for talks at the Pentagon.

Both men endorsed the drawdown at a joint press conference, with Panetta promising the move would not alter Washington's commitment to the NATO alliance.

The Pentagon chief said over 40,000 American troops would remain in Germany and that "the new US defense strategy reaffirms the lasting strategic importance of the trans-Atlantic partnership with NATO allies such as Germany."

AFP