Follow Us on Google
By Lawrence Agbo
Denmark reportedly made secret contingency plans to destroy key airport runways in Greenland amid fears that the United States, under President Donald Trump, might attempt to seize the Arctic territory by force.
Multiple sources within the Danish government, military and European allies say troops deployed to Greenland were equipped with explosives and instructed to target critical infrastructure, including the runways at Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq, to prevent U.S. military aircraft from landing if hostilities broke out.
According to Denmark’s public broadcaster DR and confirmed by European officials, authorities also sent blood supplies and medical provisions to the island in anticipation of potential casualties in the event of a conflict.
The reported measures were part of broader preparations tied to Operation Arctic Endurance, a multinational military presence ostensibly described as routine exercises but viewed by officials as a deterrent to unilateral action. To demonstrate European unity and preparedness, Danish forces in Greenland were joined by troops from France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden.
Although the governments of Denmark and Greenland strongly disagree with such an acquisition or transfer of sovereignty, tensions around Greenland increased earlier this year as Trump renewed his push to purchase the territory.
The crisis worsened after U.S. military intervention in Venezuela in early January created concern around the world, raising European concerns about American assertiveness and prompting Copenhagen to speed up defence planning.
The Danish Defence Ministry declined to comment publicly on the reported contingency plans, while a senior military official acknowledged that knowledge of the operation was limited due to its sensitive nature.
