According to Denmark’s army rules of engagement, the Danish soldiers will “shoot first and ask questions later” if US President Donald Trump decides to invade the country, a Telegraph report said.
Denmark’s Defence Ministry on Wednesday confirmed that a rule from 1952 clearly states for soldiers to “immediately” fight back if enemy forces invasion, without waiting for orders. The ministry also said that the rule “still remains in force” when asked about it by Berlingske, a centre-right newspaper in Denmark.
What exactly does Denmark’s 1952 rule states?
According to Danish newspaper Berlingske, a rule introduced in 1952 says that if the country is invaded, the forces under attack must start fighting right away. They are not required to wait for instructions or ask for orders, even if their commanders are not yet aware that a war has officially begun.
When asked about the rule, Denmark’s Defence Ministry told the newspaper that the order dealing with military precautions during an attack or war is still valid.
Meanwhile, European allies are holding emergency discussions on how to respond to the possibility of a US attack on Greenland. Experts warn that such a move could effectively end the Nato alliance, the Telegraph reported.
France’s foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that Europe wants to act, but only in coordination with its European partners. Separately, a German government source told Reuters that Germany is working closely with Denmark and other European countries to decide the next steps on Greenland.
Trump’s Greenland push stuns Denmark and Nato
This week, US President Donald Trump called Greenland vital for America’s national security. The White House has said that Trump has been looking at several ways to take control of Greenland, including the possible use of military force.
The White House told BBC that gaining control of Greenland, which is a self-governing territory under Nato member Denmark, is a key national security goal for the United States. The statement was released just hours after European leaders issued a joint message supporting Denmark, which has strongly opposed Trump’s plans for the Arctic island.
The comments have alarmed Denmark, which governs Greenland as an overseas territory and says the island cannot be sold.