Denmark Deploys More Soldiers to Greenland Amid Increasing US Tensions

Denmark has sent additional troops to Greenland amid United States President Donald Trump’s threats to take control of the self-governing Danish territory.

Denmark dispatched several aircraft transporting troops and military equipment to Greenland late yesterday. In addition to more than 200 personnel that has already been deployed, the Danish defense forces has sent a large group of soldiers along with the army's commander to the Greenland’s capital Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq in the west of the autonomous state.

According to the media, 58 Danish soldiers arrived in the Arctic region, joining about 60 others who had already been sent there to take part in continuing international military drills known as Operation Arctic Endurance. The deployment took place only hours after Trump said he wouldn't rule out using military action to seize control of the large, mineral-rich Arctic region, which he says is essential to Washington's security.

Trump threatened to impose additional 10% tariffs starting next month on the eight participating counties, including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, following a global exercise over the weekend that was conducted by Danish forces. US-European ties have reached their lowest point in decades as a result of Trump's insistence that the US take control of Greenland. This has also sparked concerns about the possible breakup of the transatlantic security alliance, which has 32 members, including the US and Denmark.

Trump's threat to put tariffs on Denmark and seven other European nations unless an agreement is made to purchase Greenland has increased the possibility of a full-fledged transatlantic trade war at the same time that his actions are straining security relations.

Although Denmark has consistently stated that the territory is not for sale and that any attempt to seize the island by force would result in the dissolution of NATO, Denmark has indicated that it is open to an increased US military presence in Greenland.

Greenland's minister of foreign affairs, Vivian Motzfeldt, and Danish Minister of Defense, Troels Lund Poulsen, met with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Monday to explore ideas for strengthening Arctic security, including the creation of a combined NATO operation in Danish territory.