Danish veterans who fought alongside American forces in Afghanistan and Iraq have expressed deep dismay over US President Donald Trump’s renewed threats to seize Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark. Martin Tamm Andersen, a former platoon commander who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, described the threats as a betrayal of the loyalty shown by Denmark to the United States and NATO.
Andersen recalled an incident in 2010 when his armoured vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. US Marines halted a firefight to secure the site, treat the wounded, and assist with evacuation. “When America needed us after 9/11 we were there,” he said. “As a veteran and as a Dane, you feel sad and very surprised that the US wants to take over part of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
Søren Knudsen, a veteran who served twice in Afghanistan and is deputy president of the Danish Veterans Association, said he was shocked to hear US Vice President JD Vance accuse Denmark of not being a good ally. Knudsen has removed the US Bronze Star and American flag he once proudly displayed, telling his wife they will remain stored until the alliance is restored.
Forty-four Danish soldiers were killed in Afghanistan—the highest per capita death toll among coalition forces—and eight died in Iraq. Many veterans feel that Trump’s rhetoric disregards the right to self-determination of Greenland and Denmark, and undermines the sacrifices made together in common cause. “It’s a betrayal of the loyalty of our nation to the US and to our common alliance, NATO,” Andersen added.
