Head of US military base in Greenland sacked after Vance criticism

The head of the US military base in Greenland has been sacked for criticising Washington's agenda for the Arctic island after JD Vance visited two weeks ago.

- Miranda Bryant

Col Susannah Meyers, who had served as commander of the Pituffik space base since July, was removed amid reports she had distanced herself and the base from the US vice-president's criticism of Denmark and its oversight of the territory.

Greenland has its own government but is part of the kingdom of Denmark, which previously ruled it as a colony and continues to control its foreign and defence policies.

Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants to acquire the island for national security reasons and has not ruled out using military or economic force to do so.

The US Space Force said in a statement on Thursday that Meyers had been removed from the position of commander owing to a "loss of confidence" in her ability to lead.