Sweden okays U.S. troops at its bases

Sweden’s Parliament approved a defense pact allowing U.S. military access to 17 Swedish bases. Defense Minister Pål Jonson states this enhances capability for U.S. support in crises or war. With 266 members voting for and 37 against, the deal facilitates U.S. troop deployment and storage of American equipment in Sweden. While the start date is unclear, implementation is expected to begin before summer’s end. A similar December agreement allows U.S. military access to Danish areas, strengthening NATO’s collective European defense.