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 reports.
Citing sources in the Danish government and military, as well as European allies, DR stated that blood supplies were also brought in to treat the wounded in the event of fighting.
The Financial Times newspaper confirmed the report through two European officials, while the Danish defence ministry remained noncommittal. A senior military official suggested that only a small circle was aware of the operation due to security protocols.
Despite being NATO allies, tensions run high over Greenland, which is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. Trump's persistent remarks about wanting to annex Greenland have fueled discord among Washington and its European partners.
DR reports that Denmark's military readiness was prompted by an escalation of hostilities, particularly after elite US forces conducted an operation in Venezuela. This raised concerns within Danish circles about the US potentially exerting its will towards Greenland.
Additional troops from Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden were deployed to Greenland under the guise of Operation Arctic Endurance, dubbed a joint exercise but aimed at preparing for possible U.S. actions.
Plans included measures to fight back should an invasion occur, including blowing up runways in Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq to block U.S. military aircraft.
Danish officials communicated to their European counterparts the need for solidarity in facing Trump's ambitions regarding Greenland, urging more military collaboration.
In discussions, President Trump assured he would not use force regarding Greenland but maintained the territory's strategic significance, exacerbating concerns among European allies.
This revelation underscores the complexities of international relations in an increasingly contested Arctic region.
