500 US troops arrive in Romania to bolster defence
MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU, Romania – Five hundred U.S. troops are arriving at a Romanian Black Sea port with tanks and hardware to bolster defence in the East European NATO nation.
The U.S. embassy said the “Fighting Eagles,” 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, will be stationed in the Mihail Kogalniceanu air base in eastern Romania on a rotating basis.
U.S. Ambassador Hans G. Klemm said Tuesday the deployment underscores that “the strong U.S.-Romania strategic partnership exists in both word and deed.”
He said the presence “expands our capacity ….in maintaining peace and security in southeastern Europe and the Black Sea region.”
NATO’s ties with Moscow deteriorated after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and supported a pro-Russian insurgency. NATO since has increased military exercises in Eastern Europe to reassure allies.
News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
