US EditionDanish Soldiers Would Shoot Back if Invaded, Government Confirms
Denmark's 1952 directive mandates immediate military action in Greenland without orders, highlighting sovereignty amid rising Arctic tensions and US threats, with 57,000 residents opposing US control.
- This week, Denmark's Defence Ministry confirmed a 1952 military directive remains in force, requiring Danish and Greenlandic forces to `immediately take up the fight` if attacked, including in Greenland.
- Written in 1952 amid Cold War fears, the directive arose after Nazi Germany's April 1940 invasion caused communication collapse, Denmark's National Encyclopedia says, and Denmark retains control of Greenland's defence.
- Strategically, Greenland sits at the heart of Arctic trade and military routes, and US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to take control while the White House discusses `a range of options`, including potential US military use as his rhetoric has gained steam.
- Allies have begun contingency planning as Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned a military attempt on Greenland would end NATO, while European leaders stress Arctic security must be collective through NATO and the European Union will not accept violations of international law.
- On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a meeting about Greenland will happen next week, with Denmark and Greenland's government participating as about 56,000 people face uncertainty.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Danish soldiers would shoot back if invaded, government confirms
Danish soldiers must open fire even without orders if US troops were to try and capture Greenland by force, according to a 1952 directive that Denmark's Defence Ministry confirmed remains in place, domestic media reported.
Danish soldiers in Greenland must basically shoot back at the Americans if they attack, says a law professor, referring to a special order from 1952.
The messages from Washington and the response from Copenhagen have raised concerns.
Danish soldiers have standing orders to take up arms and fight if Danish territory is attacked, according to a royal decree from 1952. This so-called precautionary order would also apply if the US tries to take Greenland by force. The researcher calls the order “unambiguous.”
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