US boosts NATO presence to deter Russia
Approximately 80,000 US troops have been deployed to NATO countries in Europe to support US allies and deter further Russian aggression.
The US President's office has released a letter from Biden to the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader, providing a report on military authorities, to keep Congress informed of the deployment of US Armed Forces equipped for combat, according to Al Mayadeen English.
The letter was sent in compliance with the War Powers Resolution, a federal law designed to limit the US president's authority to engage the United States in armed conflict without congressional approval.
"I am providing this additional consolidated report, prepared by my administration and in accordance with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148), as part of my efforts to keep Congress informed of the deployment of United States Armed Forces equipped for combat," President Joe Biden states in the letter's preamble.
The report indicates that 80,000 US soldiers have been deployed to bases in European NATO member countries. "Approximately 80,000 members of the United States Armed Forces are assigned or deployed to North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries in Europe, including those deployed to reassure our Allies and deter further Russian aggression," Biden's report to congressional leaders states, according to news.ro.
Since early 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, President Joe Biden has authorized the deployment of additional US military forces to Eastern Europe. Decisions to bolster the eastern flank, including Romania, were subsequently made at NATO summits.
NATO leaders agreed in March 2022 to establish four additional multinational battle groups along the alliance's eastern flank, including one led by France in Romania. The unit, stationed in Cincu, will grow into a 4,000-strong brigade by next year. It includes troops from Belgium, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, and the US.
In addition to the US missile defense system in Deveselu, Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base will be transformed into one of NATO's largest facilities. Once the upgrades are complete in 2030, Kogălniceanu will host over 10,000 soldiers and civilians, some of whom will be transferred from the US Ramstein base in Germany.
In his letter to congressional leaders, Joe Biden further states that "in support of counterterrorism efforts, the United States continues to work with partners around the world" and in this context, the United States "has deployed forces to conduct counterterrorism operations, as well as to advise, assist, and accompany the security forces of select foreign partners in counterterrorism operations." He reviews, in this context, the situation of US engagement in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Arabian Peninsula region, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, the East Africa region, the Sahel region, Cuba, and the Philippines.
The US military involvement in Israel, Egypt, and Kosovo is also detailed.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
