The US military base in Souda, Crete has seen increased activity as mounting speculation continues about an upgraded role for Greece in NATO.
The increased activity is seen as a consequence of the ongoing crisis between Turkey and NATO regarding the use of the Incirlik airbase in Turkey, fuelling speculation about an upgraded role for Greece in the alliance.
According to reports from Kathimerini, Souda Bay is seeing a lot more than previously with activities at the base extended.
Adding to the speculation is the increased joint training exercises involving US units and Greek special forces as well as the likely 5 year upgrade to the mutual defence cooperation agreement between Greece and the US, which provides for the operation of a US naval support facility at Souda Bay.
There are fears, however, that occasional tensions between Washington and Ankara might spill over into the Aegean, often used by Turkey for attempted shows of force.
Greek defence sources have pointed to a spike in Turkish violations of Greek air space and territorial waters in recent weeks. And there are said to be concerns that this activity will peak on Monday and Tuesday when the Conference for Security and Stability is held on Rhodes.
The Conference for Security and Stability, will be attended by representatives from European and Arab countries, namely Greece, Cyprus, Albania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Lebanon, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Libya, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
