A soldier from Greenland, who served alongside American forces in Afghanistan, indirectly criticized President Donald Trump for expressing interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark.
Soldier Salik Augustinussen cautioned US troops against complying with Trump’s orders to invade Greenland, emphasizing that such actions would be an assault on the comrades who fought alongside them after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Greenlandic soldiers, part of the Danish military, were among the 18,000 troops deployed to Afghanistan following the invocation of Article 5 by the US, which requires member nations to assist each other in case of an attack.
Article 5 was invoked only once, post-9/11, leading to Denmark’s loss of 43 troops in Operation Enduring Freedom, giving it the highest casualty rate among participating countries until 2009. Despite Denmark’s strong allegiance to the US and NATO, Trump’s threats of Greenland invasion, a Danish territory, have sparked controversy, with allegations that Denmark is incapable of safeguarding the Arctic region against potential Russian and Chinese threats.
Living in Greenland and want to voice your opinion on Trump’s intentions? Reach out to webnews@mirror.co.uk
“When the US was under attack on September 11, 2001, Denmark promptly offered assistance. People across the Kingdom of Denmark united to combat the threat,” stated Salik in a message authorized for publication by The Mirror. “As a Greenland-born soldier serving in the Danish Defense, I am a defender of the Kingdom of Denmark. It’s my duty to protect it and our allies, to stand in solidarity with NATO, and safeguard my fellow soldiers.”
“I stood shoulder to shoulder with American, European, and NATO colleagues in Afghanistan to support you after the tragic events of 9/11. If the US President authorizes a military incursion into Greenland, it’s an attack on me and my kin.
“It’s a friendly fire incident against NATO members, an assault on the Kingdom of Denmark, and an affront to the allies who stood by your side during times of crisis.
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