Denmark prepared to destroy Greenland runwaysdestroy Greenland runways amid Trump's invasion threats
In January 2026, Denmark flew soldiers, blood supplies, and explosives to Greenland to prepare defenses against a potential US invasion spurred by President Donald Trump's threats to annex the territory. Troops planned to blow up key runways in Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq to block US landings, while rallying support from NATO allies like Germany. The crisis eased after Trump stated at the Davos forum on January 21 that he would not use force, amid ongoing US-Danish coordination on Arctic security under a 1951 agreement.
- Greenland is the world's largest island, mostly covered by an ice sheet twice the size of Texas.
- A 1951 defense pact lets the US operate military bases in Greenland.
- Denmark has ruled Greenland since 1721 but granted it home rule in 1979.
