US may redeploy some troops from Europe to Western Hemisphere
Photo: US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (Getty Images)
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth suggests that some US military personnel could be redeployed from Europe to the Western Hemisphere, according to The Hill.
Hegseth says that the United States is already expanding its military presence in the region and working with partners. Among the countries with which Washington is cooperating, he named Ecuador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Panama.
"We're definitely expanding our presence and our footprint in Central and South America with partners," Hegseth says.
He also links the increased US presence in the region to the Trump administration's actions regarding Venezuela.
According to the Pentagon chief, the United States now has "a whole new suite of options economically and militarily with partnerships."
At the same time, Hegseth notes that some US military personnel may be redeployed to the Western Hemisphere from other regions, particularly Europe.
He says that one of the Pentagon's tasks is to implement the new US national security and national defense strategy. It calls, in particular, for a greater sharing of defense responsibilities among allies in Europe.
The agency emphasizes that Hegseth's statements may indicate a possible shift in the distribution of US military resources between Europe and the Western Hemisphere.
At the same time, the Secretary does not specify exactly how many troops might be redeployed, from which bases in Europe, or when this might take place.
Hegseth previously announced a review of the deployment of US troops in Europe. Washington explained this as necessary so that European allies would take on a greater share of the responsibility for their own defense.
US distancing itself from Europe
Earlier, the US decided to reduce its presence in Europe, specifically by withdrawing troops from Germany.
European countries have recently decided to rely solely on their own forces and less and less on the US. Some are attempting to form small alliances.
One of the reasons for the rift between the US and Europe in the defense sector was the EU countries' refusal to assist Trump in the war with Iran. It was after this that the White House issued sharp statements regarding the rift.
