Thread by @jseldin

NEW: @USAfricaCommand getting ready to abandon current HQ in #Stuttgart, move about 1,500 troops out of #Germany

"“US Africa Command has been told to plan to move" per statement from Commander, Gen. Stephen Townsend

"While it will likely take several months to develop options, consider locations, & come to a decision, the command has started the process" per @USAfricaCommand's Gen. Townsend on imminent move from #Germany

While not formally announced, @US_EUCOM Commander, Gen. Tod Wolters mentioned @USAfricaCommand relocating out of #Germany when @DeptofDefense said earlier this week almost 12,000 troops would be pulling out, redeploying to other parts of Europe, US

https://twitter.com/jseldin/status/1288465437710266368?s=20

According to @USAfricaCommand, #Africa itself is NOT under consideration for hosting the new HQ

"The command will look first at options elsewhere in #Europe, but also will consider options in the United States" per the statement

Despite the impending move, “It is important our #Africa|n partners understand our commitment to them remains strong" per @USAfricaCommand's Gen Townsend, adding the command "will continue to work with our African and other partners to address mutual interests”

In a message to #Germany, which has hosted @USAfricaCommand HQ since it was created in 2008, Gen. Townsend says, "We are very grateful"

"International cooperation remains important to addressing mutual security challenges, especially in #Africa"

NEW: Full statement from @USAfricaCommand, confirming that it will move its headquarters, & about 1,500 personnel, from #Germany to elsewhere in #Europe or to the #UnitedStates