US could withdraw 2,000 troops from Spain in punishment move against Madrid

The United States could withdraw around 2,000 troops from Spain as a punitive measure against Madrid for refusing to provide American forces with access to military bases during operations against Iran, RIA Novosti writes, citing German newspaper Handelsblatt, which referred to sources in Washington.

“Beyond the measures already announced, the US government could withdraw around 2,000 troops from Spain as part of a broader restructuring of its military presence in Europe,” the report said.

Such a move is reportedly being considered by the White House as a “punitive signal” to the Spanish government, which refused to allow US forces to use the joint military bases of Rota and Morón in Spain during operations against Iran.

Washington is considering withdrawing troops from Spain in addition to the previously announced withdrawal of 5,000 US personnel from Germany, according to the report.

The US government has not yet commented on the matter.