America to Build Two Military Bases in Icy Greenland as Donald Trump Strikes Deal with Denmark

Washington: America is moving towards increasing its military presence in Greenland. The agreement signed in New York between the US, Denmark and Greenland includes plans to establish US military bases at the two sites. This agreement was expected to be signed during the United Nations General Assembly at 10:30 am local time.

Will the old US military base reopen in Greenland?

Under this plan, the old US military base of the Cold War era in Narsarsuaq in southern Greenland can be restarted. At the same time, there is a possibility of building another military base in Mestersvig in East Greenland.

Currently, the 'Serious Dog Sled Patrol' unit of the Danish Special Forces operates in Mestersvig. Complete details of the agreement have not been made public yet.

Why was the American base closed in the 1950s?

America had built a military base named 'Blue West One' in Narsarsuaq during the Cold War. It was closed in the 1950s. After this the population of the area reduced to a few dozen people.

At the same time, Mestersvig is used by the Danish Army for its dog sled patrol unit. In such a situation, the plan to increase American military presence may affect the security system in the Arctic region.

Have the complete details of the agreement not been revealed yet?

According to the report, the full text of the agreement has not yet been made public. According to people with knowledge of the matter, some details of the deal may not be finalised until it is signed.

The White House also declined to comment on the details of the agreement. However, the American side says that this agreement will help strengthen the security of Greenland and America.

Denmark says that with this agreement the security of the Arctic will come under the ambit of NATO and its responsibility will not be limited to only America and Denmark.

Why did Trump's pressure increase regarding Greenland?

This agreement is being reached amid US President Donald Trump's long-running efforts regarding Greenland. Trump has spoken many times about the need for American control over Greenland.

Describing Greenland as strategically important for the US, Trump did not rule out the possibility of using military or economic force to acquire it. After these statements, tensions between America and Denmark and Greenland increased.

The people of Greenland have also rejected the idea of coming under US control. America had a large military presence here during the Cold War. At that time there were 17 American military establishments and more than 10 thousand soldiers in Greenland. Now the main presence there is the Pitfik Space Base, where about 150 American military personnel are deployed.