US cancels planned deployment of 4,000 troops to Poland

WARSAW: The United States has called off a planned deployment of 4,000 troops to Poland as Washington reshapes its military posture in Europe following its announcement that thousands of soldiers will be withdrawn from Germany, US officials said on Friday.

General Christopher LaNeve, the acting chief of staff of the US Army, told a congressional hearing that the head of US European Command had received instructions regarding the force reduction. He said he had worked closely with him on deciding which unit would be affected and added that it made the most sense for that brigade not to carry out its deployment in theatre.

LaNeve was referring to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team. He also said some parts of the unit had already been sent overseas and that its equipment was already in transit.

Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, who appeared alongside LaNeve, said the brigade’s planned deployment had been canceled “a couple days ago.”

Force changes in Europe

Earlier this month, the Pentagon said Washington would remove 5,000 troops from Germany. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said at the time that the withdrawal was expected “to be completed over the next six to twelve months.”

The announcement came during a sharp disagreement between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the US-Israeli war against Iran. Trump later said the reduction in troop numbers would be “a lot further than 5,000,” though he did not provide further details.

Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said on Friday that the decision to cancel the deployment to Poland could be connected to the troop removal from Germany.

“If a brigade other than the one originally planned is sent to Poland – maybe the one from Germany – and 5,000 soldiers leave Germany for Poland…there is no change to the security guarantees,” Kosiniak-Kamysz told reporters.

Trump has repeatedly threatened during both of his terms in the White House to reduce the number of US troops stationed in Germany and other allied European countries, saying Europe should assume more responsibility for its own defence instead of relying on Washington.

The report also said Trump now appears set on penalising allies that have not supported the Middle East war or contributed to a peacekeeping force in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway that Tehran’s forces have effectively closed.

Nato response

A Nato official told AFP on Friday that the alliance was aware that the United States was adjusting its military posture in Europe.

“we know that the US is working to adjust its posture in Europe.”

The official said an emphasis on rotational deployments would not affect Nato’s deterrence and defence plans.

“A focus on rotational forces would not impact NATO’s deterrence and defense plans. And we’re already seeing increasing presence on the eastern flank from Canada and Germany — all of which contributes to a stronger NATO overall,” the official added.

The latest move comes as European allies continue to assess the implications of Washington’s military decisions for the alliance’s eastern flank and broader regional security arrangements.