Denmark deployed military forces to Greenland in January amid concerns of a potential US invasion following repeated statements by President Donald Trump about acquiring the territory. The move was confirmed by Danish broadcaster DR, which obtained a military operations order dated 13 January.
The deployment occurred shortly after a US-led operation in Venezuela ousted President Nicolás Maduro, raising alarm within Danish defense circles. A senior Danish military official, speaking anonymously, said the situation demanded serious contingency planning.
Several European nations-including France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands-sent personnel under a Danish-led NATO initiative called 'Arctic Endurance.' However, multiple sources clarified this was a real operational deployment, not an exercise. Troops arrived with blood supplies and explosives, underscoring the mission’s defensive intent.
Trump has long insisted that US control of Greenland is vital for national security and refused to rule out military action. The standoff triggered NATO's deepest crisis in years until Trump announced a vague 'framework' agreement with the alliance's secretary general on 21 January.
Since then, NATO launched the 'Arctic Sentry' mission, involving both Danish and US forces, to stabilize the region. Neither the Danish government nor the Greenlandic authorities have commented on the troop movements.
Denmark faces an early general election next week. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s handling of the crisis has boosted her party’s support, despite a six-point drop from their 2022 levels.