The Pentagon is in discussions to withdraw thousands of troops from South Korea, a decision that could redefine military operations in the region. Officials are evaluating how the shift would affect the strategic balance, with reports indicating that American forces may be relocated to Guam and other Indo-Pacific sites.
South Korea hosts nearly 28,500 US troops, a presence that has been crucial for deterrence against North Korea. A reduction of 4,500 personnel raises questions about whether the alliance can maintain the same level of readiness. Defense experts have warned that scaling back forces could limit rapid response capabilities in a crisis. Military planners are weighing whether a smaller footprint could be offset by improved intelligence and missile defense systems.
The Wall Street Journal first reported the review, citing sources familiar with internal Pentagon discussions. The proposal has not yet been finalized, but adjustments to troop placements have been under consideration for some time. With tensions rising between Washington and Beijing, the US military has been assessing how best to position its forces across the Indo-Pacific.
South Korea’s defense ministry has stated that no formal discussions on troop reductions have taken place. Officials in Seoul reiterated that the alliance remains strong, emphasizing the importance of maintaining joint defense efforts. Any adjustments would require close coordination between both governments to ensure regional security is not compromised.
Sources:
https://rki.kbs.co.kr/service/news_view.htm?lang=e&Seq_Code=193234