Danish military forces participate in an exercise with hundreds of troops from several European Nato members in the Arctic Ocean in Nuuk, Greenland. (PHOTO: The Telegraph)
Danish soldiers are required to respond immediately to any invasion of Greenland, including by opening fire without waiting for orders, under long-standing rules of engagement confirmed by Denmark’s defence ministry.
On Wednesday (7 Jan), the ministry acknowledged the existence of a directive dating back to 1952 that instructs troops to counter any invading force at once. It said the rule “remains in force” when asked about it by the centre-right Danish newspaper Berlingske.
Berlingske reported that the 1952 directive states that in the event of an invasion, “the attacked forces must immediately take up the fight without waiting for or seeking orders, even if the commanders in question are not aware of the declaration of war or state of war”.
Asked to clarify the policy, the Danish defence ministry told the newspaper: “The order on precautionary measures for military defence in the event of attacks on the country and during war, remains in force.”
The issue has resurfaced after US President Donald Trump reiterated this week his desire to annex Greenland, a Nato territory he has described as vital to US national security. Trump has said the move could involve military force if necessary.
His remarks have alarmed Denmark, which administers Greenland as an overseas territory and has repeatedly said the island is “not for sale”. The comments have also caused concern within Greenland’s own government and across the wider Nato alliance.
For more on the US-Greenland issue, read here.
