Danish soldiers flown to Greenland in January were prepared to blow up key airport runways over fears that U.S. President Donald Trump could invade the Arctic island, Denmark's public broadcaster DR reports.
Citing sources from the Danish government and military, as well as European allies, DR said blood supplies were also brought in to treat potential wounded during conflict.
The Financial Times confirmed the report, stating that the Danish defense ministry had no comment.
A senior Danish military official, speaking anonymously, revealed that only a limited number of individuals were aware of this operation for security reasons.
Both the U.S. and Denmark are NATO members, yet the issue surrounding Greenland—a semi-autonomous region of Denmark—has caused deep divisions between Washington and its European allies.
Trump has frequently expressed a desire to annex Greenland, a goal consistently rejected by both Denmark and the island's leaders. On January 21, Trump asserted he did not wish to use military force but articulated the importance of Greenland for national security.
In this context, Denmark undertook military preparations indicative of regional tensions, with sources indicating that the military deployment was disguised as joint exercises named Operation Arctic Endurance while aiming to deter a possible U.S. invasion.
A Danish defense source mentioned that the high stakes meant costs to the U.S. would have to be raised, asserting that a confrontation would carry significant consequences.
This situation escalated following U.S. military operations in Venezuela, leading Denmark to adopt a proactive approach in ensuring Greenland's sovereignty amidst growing tensions.
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