US pulls some troops from Europe, says it is not a 'withdrawal'

Senior US lawmakers criticise decision, as European leaders play down significance

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NATO troops taking part in an exercise near Galati, Romania, in February. The US statement said the decision to pull a brigade combat team from Nato's eastern flank should not be seen as a "withdrawal from Europe or a signal of lessened commitment to Nato" or to the alliance's mutual defence clause.

(PHOTO: REUTERS)

The US announced it will pull a brigade combat team based on Nato's eastern flank, prompting criticism from Republican lawmakers and spurring anxiety that a broader pullback in military support for Europe may be under way.

In a statement, the US Army Europe and Africa said one unit - the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division - will not be replaced after it makes its scheduled return to its home base in Kentucky. The statement did not give numbers, but the Pentagon previously said the unit had 4,200 soldiers.

The statement said the decision should not be seen as a "withdrawal from Europe or a signal of lessened commitment to Nato" or to the alliance's mutual defence clause.