Danish soldiers told to “immediately” counter attack US invasion of Greenland

Fahad Redha

January 8, 2026
3 min read

Danish soldiers told to “immediately” counter attack US invasion of Greenland

Danish soldiers have been told to “shoot first and ask questions later” in the event of a US invasion of Greenland, its defence ministry has confirmed. The country’s rules of engagement will require its troops to “immediately” counter attack against any invading force without waiting for orders.

Denmark’s defence ministry has confirmed the rule from 1952, saying that it “remains in force.” This comes after US President Trump has floated the possibility of an invasion of Greenland as an option. The Greenlandic government rejected Trump’s idea, with UK Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer and his counterparts in Europe vowing to “not stop defending” Greenland.

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The rule for Danish soldiers states that, during 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.”

“The order on precautionary measures for military defence in the event of attacks on the country and during war, remains in force,” the defence ministry told newspaper Berlingske.

Leaders in Europe have held urgent talks discussing how to respond to the US’ threats, with some fearing the end of NATO. Germany says it is “closely working together with other European countries and Denmark on the next steps regarding Greenland.”

American Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that he will be meeting with Danish and Greenlandic officials. He did not comment on military intervention when asked if he would rule out the possibility.

“I’m not here to talk about Denmark or military intervention,” he said. “I’ll be meeting with them next week. We’ll have those conversations with them then. But I don’t have anything further to add to that.”

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