A Greenlandic soldier who served alongside US forces in Afghanistan has indirectly criticized President Donald Trump for his interest in acquiring the Danish territory of Greenland.
Soldier Salik Augustinussen cautioned against any US military action to invade Greenland, emphasizing that such actions would mean attacking the comrades who fought alongside American troops post the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Greenlandic soldiers, part of the Danish armed forces, were among the 18,000 troops sent to Afghanistan following the invocation of Article 5, which requires member nations to assist each other in times of attack.
Denmark, having lost 43 soldiers in Operation Enduring Freedom post 9/11, had the highest casualty rate until 2009. Despite being a loyal US and NATO ally, Trump’s threats of Greenland invasion, citing concerns of Arctic security, have strained relations with Denmark.
In a public statement, Salik highlighted Denmark’s immediate support after the 9/11 attacks and expressed his commitment to defend the Kingdom of Denmark and its allies, including NATO. He underscored the unity between Danish and US soldiers during the Afghan conflict and warned against any military action on Greenland.
Veteran Project Greenland, an organization assisting veterans in Greenland, raised concerns over the destabilizing effect of annexation discussions initiated by the White House. The group emphasized Greenland’s sovereignty and criticized the lack of respect shown towards international laws and the people of Greenland and Danish veterans who have collaborated with US forces.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland is not up for sale and asserted that the island’s future lies in the hands of its people. Surveys indicate that a small percentage of Greenland’s population supports joining the US, with the majority preferring to remain under Danish sovereignty or opt for independence.
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