Copenhagen: Denmark has reportedly authorized its military to attack any invaders of Greenland without awaiting further orders, amid rising tensions over U.S. interest in the territory. Since U.S. President Donald Trump expressed intentions to annex Greenland, citing threats from Russia and China, there have been concerns about potential military coercion to acquire the mineral-rich land.
According to Thai News Agency, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States plans to use persuasion, such as purchasing Greenland from Denmark, rather than military force. However, conflicting statements have emerged, as White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt indicated that military force remains an option for the U.S., although negotiation would remain the primary approach.
Further escalating the situation, Katie Miller, a former White House advisor, shared an image depicting Greenland under the U.S. flag, accompanied by a message directed at Danish and Greenlandic governments, suggesting a possible U.S. occupation.
Local Danish media outlet Berlingske reported confirmation from the Danish Ministry of Defence about the 1952 Order, which allows Danish forces to retaliate immediately against attacks without waiting for further instructions. This order, established post-World War II to prevent vulnerability to enemy attacks, is still in effect today.
The international community, particularly in Europe, is closely monitoring the situation, with concerns that a U.S. attack on Greenland could jeopardize the North Atlantic Alliance, or NATO. Dominique de Villepin, former Prime Minister of France, cautioned that European nations would not tolerate violations of their sovereignty, suggesting that any military action by the U.S. could significantly alter relations between Europe and the United States.