Danish soldiers flown to Greenland in January were prepared to blow up key airport runways over fears that US President Donald Trump could invade the Arctic island, Denmark's public broadcaster DR says. Citing sources in the Danish government and military, and also among European allies, DR reports that blood supplies were also brought in to treat the wounded in the event of fighting.
The Financial Times confirmed the report through two European officials. The Danish defense ministry has declined to comment on the matter. A high-ranking Danish military official, who spoke anonymously, mentioned that 'only a limited number of people would have been aware of the operation for security reasons.'
Both the US and Denmark are members of NATO, and the issue of Greenland – a semi-autonomous part of Denmark – has created divisions between Washington and its European partners. Trump's persistent interest in annexing Greenland has been met with rejection by both the island's leadership and Denmark.
The Danish report indicates that the operation was spurred into action following military developments involving the US, which intensified on January 3, when elite US forces conducted a surprise operation in Venezuela. The day after, Trump commented on Greenland's strategic importance, asserting that the US 'needs' Greenland due to concerns over Russian and Chinese activities in the region.
Danish defense sources underscored the necessity for preparedness against potential US action, indicating that compelling costs would need to be enforced to deter a hostile takeover: The US would have to carry out a hostile act to get Greenland. Further military exercises, dubbed Operation Arctic Endurance, involved collaborative efforts from several European nations, reinforcing military presence in Greenland in response to growing tensions. The operation's real intent was speculated to be preparation against a possible US invasion, driven by Trump's statements and actions.
As of late January, Trump stated his desire for 'immediate negotiations' to de-escalate the Greenland situation and seek a compromise with Denmark.
The Financial Times confirmed the report through two European officials. The Danish defense ministry has declined to comment on the matter. A high-ranking Danish military official, who spoke anonymously, mentioned that 'only a limited number of people would have been aware of the operation for security reasons.'
Both the US and Denmark are members of NATO, and the issue of Greenland – a semi-autonomous part of Denmark – has created divisions between Washington and its European partners. Trump's persistent interest in annexing Greenland has been met with rejection by both the island's leadership and Denmark.
The Danish report indicates that the operation was spurred into action following military developments involving the US, which intensified on January 3, when elite US forces conducted a surprise operation in Venezuela. The day after, Trump commented on Greenland's strategic importance, asserting that the US 'needs' Greenland due to concerns over Russian and Chinese activities in the region.
Danish defense sources underscored the necessity for preparedness against potential US action, indicating that compelling costs would need to be enforced to deter a hostile takeover: The US would have to carry out a hostile act to get Greenland. Further military exercises, dubbed Operation Arctic Endurance, involved collaborative efforts from several European nations, reinforcing military presence in Greenland in response to growing tensions. The operation's real intent was speculated to be preparation against a possible US invasion, driven by Trump's statements and actions.
As of late January, Trump stated his desire for 'immediate negotiations' to de-escalate the Greenland situation and seek a compromise with Denmark.
