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 says blood supplies were also brought in to treat the wounded in the event of fighting. The Financial Times newspaper said two European officials later confirmed the report. The Danish defense ministry told the BBC it 'has no comment'.
It was reported that a senior Danish military official, speaking anonymously, noted that only a limited number of people would have been aware of the operation for security reasons. As NATO members, both the US and Denmark have found themselves in a complicated situation regarding Greenland, a semi-autonomous part of Denmark.
Trump's desire to acquire Greenland has been met with rejection from Denmark and its leaders, creating a wedge between Washington and its European allies.
Sources indicated that military contingents were flown to Iglulik and Kangerlussuaq under the guise of military exercises, but the real plan was to prevent potential US military landings. The Danish military had concerns over the US's capabilities following the recent events in Venezuela, prompting them to take all scenarios seriously.
Ultimately, the situation displays the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding Greenland, reinforcing the need for stronger international solidarity in support of Denmark's territorial integrity.
Citing sources in the Danish government and military, and also among European allies, DR says blood supplies were also brought in to treat the wounded in the event of fighting. The Financial Times newspaper said two European officials later confirmed the report. The Danish defense ministry told the BBC it 'has no comment'.
It was reported that a senior Danish military official, speaking anonymously, noted that only a limited number of people would have been aware of the operation for security reasons. As NATO members, both the US and Denmark have found themselves in a complicated situation regarding Greenland, a semi-autonomous part of Denmark.
Trump's desire to acquire Greenland has been met with rejection from Denmark and its leaders, creating a wedge between Washington and its European allies.
Sources indicated that military contingents were flown to Iglulik and Kangerlussuaq under the guise of military exercises, but the real plan was to prevent potential US military landings. The Danish military had concerns over the US's capabilities following the recent events in Venezuela, prompting them to take all scenarios seriously.
Ultimately, the situation displays the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding Greenland, reinforcing the need for stronger international solidarity in support of Denmark's territorial integrity.
