Dutch Navy officers to depart Greenland after completing mission

(MENAFN) Two officers from the Royal Netherlands Navy are leaving Greenland on Monday after finishing their assignment “as planned,” according to a statement issued by the Defense Ministry.

"The two Royal Netherlands Navy officers who participated in the reconnaissance in Greenland for a joint military exercise in the Arctic region have completed their work as planned. They will depart Greenland today," the ministry said in a statement.

The statement explained that the Dutch officers provided both operational and logistical support while taking part in a Denmark-led reconnaissance mission involving several NATO allies.

"A larger deployment within NATO (Arctic Sentry) is a possible next step," said the statement, adding that the issue will be discussed further within NATO in the coming period.

Their departure follows the exit of a German military reconnaissance unit made up of 15 soldiers, who left Greenland on Sunday. This came one day after US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on countries opposing US control over Greenland.

Trump said on Saturday that Washington will impose 10% tariffs on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland from Feb. 1, rising to 25% in June until there's a deal for "the complete and total purchase of Greenland."

European leaders responded by rejecting the tariff threats aimed at the eight countries and reaffirming their support for Denmark.

In a joint statement released Sunday, they condemned the recent US tariff threats and pledged to uphold Arctic security while maintaining their sovereignty.

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