Denmark ‘planned to blow up Greenland runways’ to stop US takeover

WorldPolitics
20 Mar 2026 • 11:34 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Denmark prepared for a potential U.S. attack on Greenland in January by deploying troops, explosives, and medical supplies to the island, according to a report.
  • Danish soldiers intended to prevent U.S. military aircraft from landing by blowing up runways in Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq if Donald Trump attempted a takeover, Danish broadcaster DR reported.
  • The preparations were prompted by Trump's repeated threats and fixation on seizing Greenland, which caused “sleepless nights” for Danish officials.
  • Greenland is considered strategically important due to its location between Russia, Europe, and North America, its potential control over Arctic shipping, and its rich natural resources.
  • Officials cited U.S. actions in Venezuela as a reason to take Trump's threats seriously, with France offering military support to Denmark to avoid escalation.

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