Denmark Reportedly Prepared for US Invasion of Greenland with Explosives and Blood Supplies
In a startling revelation, Denmark reportedly made extensive military preparations for a potential attack from the United States on Greenland in January, including flying explosives to destroy runways and blood supplies to treat casualties. This unprecedented move came amid heightened tensions following Donald Trump's renewed threats to acquire Greenland, a largely autonomous territory within the Danish commonwealth.
Military Preparations Amid Trump Threats
According to reports from Danish public broadcaster DR, Copenhagen was so alarmed by Trump's statements about taking Greenland "the hard way" that it initiated secret contingency plans. Danish soldiers flown to Greenland in January were reportedly carrying explosives intended to destroy runways in the capital, Nuuk, and in Kangerlussuaq, a small town north of the capital. The objective was to prevent US aircraft from landing in the event of an invasion.
In addition to the explosives, the soldiers transported supplies from Danish blood banks to treat wounded individuals in case of battle. DR cited sources across the Danish government, authorities, and intelligence services in Denmark, France, and Germany, indicating a coordinated response to the perceived threat.
Political and Strategic Context
The crisis escalated after the US attack on Venezuela on January 3, which sources described as a crucial turning point. The following day, Trump reiterated the US need for Greenland, sparking fears of an invasion. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded by stating that an attack by the US on a NATO ally would mean the end of the military alliance and post-World War II security.
Denmark reportedly began seeking political support from European leaders in secret talks soon after the 2024 US election. An unnamed top French official told DR that the Greenland crisis brought Europe closer together, emphasizing the need for independent security capabilities. "With the Greenland crisis, Europe realised once and for all that we need to be able to take care of our own security," the source said.
Rapid Deployment of Forces
While there was already a plan for Danish and European forces to send soldiers to Greenland later in the year, this was rapidly accelerated. An advance command of Danish, French, German, Norwegian, and Swedish soldiers arrived in Greenland, followed by a main force including elite troops. Danish fighter planes and a French naval vessel were also deployed toward the North Atlantic.
The strategy aimed to involve as many nationalities as possible to deter US aggression, forcing the US to take significant hostile action if it attempted to occupy Greenland. A Danish defence source described the situation as unprecedented since April 1940, highlighting the gravity of the crisis.
Official Responses and Implications
The Danish Ministry of Defence, along with the offices of Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, declined to comment on the reports. This silence underscores the sensitive nature of the preparations and the ongoing diplomatic tensions.
This incident reveals the fragile state of transatlantic relations and the lengths to which European nations are willing to go to protect their sovereignty. It also raises questions about the future of NATO and European security in an era of shifting geopolitical alliances.
