'Simply not OK': removal of US troops worries German communities

Politicians say withdrawal of up to 12,000 soldiers will hurt local economy and makes little strategic sense

The US government's decision to withdraw thousands of troops from bases across southern and western Germany will have a huge impact on affected communities, local politicians have said.

Up to 12,000 troops from the air force and army are due to leave the region, the US defense secretary, Mark Esper, said this week in a move attributed to long-term planning by the Pentagon, but which Donald Trump said was a punishment for Berlin's low defence spending.