The US Army has deployed its elite “Arctic Angels” soldiers to a remote island in Alaska in response to increased Russian and Chinese military exercises in the region. The 11th Airborne Division, known for its rapid deployment capabilities, was sent to Shemya Island on September 12 as a show of “ready, lethal force” ¹. This move comes after the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) intercepted Russian military aircraft flying near Alaska four times in the past week.
According to Maj. Gen. Joseph Hilbert, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division, the operation demonstrates the division’s ability to respond to events in the Indo-Pacific region or globally within hours ¹. However, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh emphasized that these activities are not unusual and do not pose a threat to the US homeland or NATO alliance.
The deployment highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and its main military adversaries, Russia and China, particularly amidst the Ukraine war. The Biden administration has been working to resume high-level communications with China, but Beijing remains a major military competitor ¹. The situation will likely remain a key challenge for the next US administration, regardless of who wins the presidential election in November.
Interestingly, Republican nominee Donald Trump has signaled a different approach, suggesting he will settle the war between Russia and Ukraine and get along with both China and Russia ¹. However, the complexity of these relationships and the geopolitical implications of Trump’s statements remain to be seen.
