Denmark, France, and Germany send troops to Greenland as US threats loom large

Denmark

and Germany are increasing their military presence in Greenland, sending troops to take part in joint exercises on the Arctic island. Other NATO countries, including France, Sweden, and Norway, are also sending military personnel to Greenland this week.

Canada and France are also boosting their diplomatic presence in Greenland by opening consulates in the island's capital, Nuuk, amid rising tensions in the Arctic.

The move comes after US President Donald Trump sparked alarm by suggesting that they might try to forcibly take control over the largest island.

Denmark, responsible for Greenland's defense, warned that any attack on the island could effectively end NATO.

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said, "Security political tensions have spread to the Arctic. This means that we need an increased presence in and around Greenland."

Denmark is coordinating closely with the Greenland government and NATO allies to strengthen defense. "Therefore, in close dialogue with the Greenlandic government, we have also agreed to increase our military presence as well as our exercise activity in the Arctic and the North Atlantic in close cooperation with the NATO alliance," he added.



Starting today, Poelson said, "There will be an increased military presence in and around Greenland, involving aircrafts, ships and soldiers, including those from other NATO allies."

The German Defense Ministry said it was sending 13 soldiers to Greenland as part of a "reconnaissance team" to observe and coordinate with NATO allies.

This is not the first time NATO countries have sent troops to train in other NATO countries. Joint military exercises in the Arctic have been happening for years, with the US already having around 150 troops stationed at Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland.

Sweden sent an unspecified number of troops to Greenland at Denmark's request. The Swedish soldiers will join other allied forces to prepare for Operation Arctic Endurance, an upcoming military exercise.

French President Emmanuel Macron said France will also participate in Operation Arctic Endurance, with troops already on the way and more to follow. Norway is sending two defense personnel to Greenland to take part in joint exercises.

NATO is a military alliance of 30 countries in Europe, including the US and Canada. The key rule is that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

Danish Defense Minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, said a US attack on Greenland is “completely hypothetical” and very unlikely, because NATO members don’t attack each other.

Trump has openly talked about wanting to take over Greenland, even by force if necessary. During a press conference with oil executives last week, he said, "He would do something about Greenland whether they like it or not."

"NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES," Trump wrote on social media.