US, Greenland, Denmark to Sign Military Expansion Deal at UN in New York

Key facts

• President Donald Trump was due to meet with leaders of Greenland and Denmark on Tuesday.
• The deal will allow a larger US military presence on Greenland.
• The agreement could end a stand-off over the strategically located and mineral-rich island.
• The US will expand its military footprint in Greenland, according to three people familiar with the matter.
• The existing US base is Pituffik Space Base.
• Two new military sites are expected: Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig.
• Narsarsuaq is a former Cold War airbase with a population of just a few dozen.
• Mestersvig is currently used by the Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, an elite Danish special forces unit.
• Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.
• Greenland sits between the Arctic and North America and holds vast energy resources.
• The signing is set to take place at the United Nations in New York.