US Seeks to Regain Access to Former Bases in Greenland

Washington (ANTARA) - The United States is engaging in talks with Denmark to gain access to three additional military bases in Greenland, including two that were previously abandoned by US forces several decades ago.

The statement was made by Pentagon General Gregory Guillot, as reported by The New York Times on Wednesday (1/4). This potential agreement is reported to be the first significant expansion of the US military presence in the region in recent decades.

The negotiations include locations that were once used as US bases during World War II and the Cold War, but were later returned to Danish and Greenlandic authorities after the US withdrawal. The base locations are Narsarsuaq, returned in the 1950s, and Kangerlussuaq, returned in the 1990s.

However, Pentagon officials have declined to detail the number of troops that might be stationed on the island. General Guillot is reported to have stated that the facilities would support special operations forces and naval units.

Much of the military infrastructure at these sites has been dismantled, according to the NYT report, although both locations still have small operational airports. Narsarsuaq also has a deep-water port, while Kangerlussuaq features a long runway capable of accommodating large aircraft.

Experts cited by the newspaper noted that Denmark has limited capacity to block the US plans.

Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. However, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that the territory should join the US, citing the island’s strategic position for national security.

Danish and Greenlandic authorities have warned Washington against taking over the island and have emphasised that they expect their territorial integrity to be respected.