Denmark Orders Armed Forces to 'Shoot First' Against Any US Invasion of Greenland
Denmark has activated 1952-era military protocols instructing armed forces to shoot first against any foreign incursion into Greenland, responding to Trump's renewed annexation threats. The White House confirms military action remains an option for acquiring the Arctic territory. Danish and Greenlandic diplomats met White House officials on January 8, reaffirming the territory is not for sale, while Denmark warns any US attack would end NATO.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Denmark has instructed its armed forces to respond immediately to any foreign incursion into Greenland, including opening fire without waiting for orders, amid renewed threats from US President Trump to annex the Arctic island. The directive underscores escalating tensions over the strategically important territory as geopolitical competition intensifies in the Arctic region.
Defence Ministry Clarifies 'Shoot First' Protocol
According to Denmark's defence ministry, soldiers deployed in Greenland operate under long-standing rules of engagement dating back to 1952. The ministry told Danish daily Berlingske that forces must act "without waiting for or seeking orders, even if the commanders in question are not aware of the declaration of war or state of war" in the event of an attack.
| Protocol Details: | Information |
|---|---|
| Rules Origin: | 1952 engagement protocols |
| Response Requirement: | Immediate action without orders |
| Application: | Any foreign incursion into Greenland |
| Authority Source: | Denmark's defence ministry |
White House Maintains Military Option
The renewed tension follows Trump's repeated emphasis on Greenland's strategic importance to the US. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that "acquiring Greenland is a national security priority of the United States, and it's vital to deter our adversaries in the Arctic region."
Leavitt confirmed that "the President and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US Military is always an option at the Commander in Chief's disposal."
Diplomatic Engagement Continues
Senior diplomats from Denmark and Greenland met officials at the White House National Security Council on January 8. Denmark's ambassador to the US, Jesper Møller Sørensen, and Greenland's head of representation in Washington, Jacob Isbosethsen, conveyed their position that the territory is not for sale.
| Diplomatic Meeting: | Details |
|---|---|
| Date: | January 8 |
| Venue: | White House National Security Council |
| Danish Representative: | Ambassador Jesper Møller Sørensen |
| Greenland Representative: | Jacob Isbosethsen |
| Key Message: | Territory not for sale |
Greenlandic authorities have consistently rejected any suggestion of a sale, both publicly and in private diplomatic exchanges. US Senator Marco Rubio told lawmakers that Trump remained interested in buying Greenland but sought to play down the likelihood of a military takeover.
NATO Implications and European Response
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has cautioned that any US attack would effectively spell the end of NATO and undermine "the security that has been established since the end of the Second World War." European leaders have also warned that Greenland's territorial integrity must be respected.
Trump first floated the idea of purchasing Greenland in 2019 and has since refused to rule out the use of military force. His latest remarks have heightened concern in Copenhagen and Nuuk, particularly following recent US military actions elsewhere. The episode underscores rising geopolitical friction in the Arctic, as strategic competition intensifies over the resource-rich and militarily significant region.
16
