United States Space Operations Command said Colonel Susannah Meyers has been relieved of her command at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland after a loss of confidence in her leadership abilities.

The base chief had sought to separate her command from comments by Vice President JD Vance that had been highly critical of Denmark's oversight of the territory.

What reason was given for the dismissal?

"Commanders are expected to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, especially as it relates to remaining nonpartisan in the performance of their duties," the US Space Force said in a statement.

During his March 28 visit to the base, formerly known as the Thule Air Base, Vance hit out at NATO ally Denmark's control of the vast island coveted by US President Donald Trump's administration.

 "Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland."

"You have under-invested in the people of Greenland and you have under-invested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass," he added.

What did the base commander say?

Meyers responded three days later with an email relayed to the US website Military.com. The site said it appeared to be "a message to all personnel at Pituffik seemingly aimed at generating unity among the airmen and Guardians, as well as the Canadians, Danes and Greenlanders who work there, following Vance's appearance."

Meyers wrote that she had "spent the weekend thinking about Friday's visit — the actions taken, the words spoken, and how it must have affected each of you."

"I do not presume to understand current politics, but what I do know is the concerns of the US administration discussed by Vice President Vance on Friday are not reflective of Pituffik Space Base."

Military.com said a source familiar with the email said it was sent to all base personnel, including those from Denmark and Greenland on the installation.

What does the US want with Greenland?

The US president has insisted that the United States must take control of Greenland, which is strategically placed between Europe and North America and holds a rich supply of valuable rare earth metals, for national and international security.

He has refused to rule out the use of force to secure the territory.

Danish and Greenlandic officials, supported by the European Union, have insisted that Washington will not obtain Greenland.

Why is Greenland part of Denmark?

Norse explorer Erik the Red founded settlements in Greenland, laying the foundation for future European claims.

In the early 1700s, Denmark-Norway — a dual monarchy at the time — re-established contact with Greenland, which was inhabited by the Inuit peoples.

When Denmark and Norway split, Denmark retained control of Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands under the 1814 Treaty of Kiel. It became a formal territory of the Nordic kingdom in 1953 and gained limited home rule in 1979.

In 2009, the island was granted broad self-governing autonomy — a status that includes the right to declare independence from Denmark through a referendum.

Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen,  leader of the pro-business Democrats, became the island's youngest prime minister after an election on March 11.

Nielsen, whose party favors a slow path to independence from Copenhagen, has said Vance's visit signaled a "lack of respect."

He said he is seeking a broad coalition government to show unity in the face of the US efforts to control the island.

Edited by: Louis Oelofse