Remote atoll that became a strategic Anglo-American base after 1,500 islanders were removed.

This clue leads to Diego Garcia. The sections below explain what it refers to, why it matches the clue, and why it may be appearing in the current trend cycle.

Diego Garcia is the largest island of the Chagos Archipelago. It has been used as a joint UK–U.S. military base since the 1970s, following the expulsion of the Chagossians by the UK government. The Chagos Islands are a British overseas territory, though a treaty to transfer sovereignty from the UK to Mauritius was signed on 22 May 2025, with a provision that the military base at the island would remain under British control for at least 99 years. The agreement may be renewed for an additional 40 years after the initial 99-year period, and for an additional period thereafter. The UK government expected the treaty to be ratified sometime in 2026. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has expressed "deep concern" at the terms of the deal.

Background summary sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). View source

Diego Garcia is the largest island of the Chagos Archipelago and has served as a joint UK–U.S. military base since the 1970s, matching every part of the clue.