US expands bases in Greenland as Cold War tensions return
Photo: The US will open two new bases in Greenland at once (Getty Images)
The US will resume its military presence in Greenland—Washington will establish two bases near strategic locations on the island. Details of the agreement will be announced as early as this week, according to Reuters.
The US plans to reopen a Cold War-era base in southern Greenland and establish another facility on the island's east coast. Three sources familiar with the details of the agreement told Reuters about this.
One location is the town of Narsarsuaq, where only a few dozen residents remain after the US closed the Bluie West One base there back in the 1950s. The second facility is the Mestersvig military outpost, which is currently used by the Danish special forces unit Sirius for dog patrols.
Agreement
Denmark, Greenland, and the US are set to sign the new agreement on Tuesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The text of the document has not yet been made public, and its final details will be agreed upon just before the signing.
The governments of Denmark and Greenland have not yet responded to a request for comment from Reuters.
What White House and Denmark say
A White House spokesperson declines to comment on the details of the agreement. She merely reiterates a previous statement that the document is intended to ensure and protect the security of Greenland and the United States.
In Denmark, officials emphasize that the agreement places control over Arctic security under NATO's oversight, rather than leaving the matter solely to the discretion of Washington and Copenhagen.
Trump's pressure and return to Cold War
The agreement was the result of months of pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has long insisted on US control over Greenland. He had previously refused on multiple occasions to rule out the use of military or economic force to gain control over the Danish autonomous territory.
According to polls, the overwhelming majority of Greenland's residents oppose this idea. Trump's statements peaked in January and triggered a diplomatic crisis within NATO, which prompted Denmark and Greenland to begin negotiations with Washington.
During the Cold War, the US had 17 military facilities and more than 10,000 military personnel in Greenland. Today, only the Pituffik base remains there, where about 150 US military personnel are stationed.
US President Donald Trump stated that Washington, Denmark, and Greenland have reached an agreement that gives the US permanent control over the island's security.
According to Trump, no adversary of the US will be able to maintain a base or military presence on the island.
Meanwhile, the governments of the three countries also planned to officially sign an agreement to strengthen security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic.
Denmark emphasizes that the document recognizes Greenland's sovereignty and its right to self-determination.
