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January 21, 2026
Danish veterans of US wars feel betrayed by Trump’s threats
Danish veterans who served alongside US forces in Afghanistan and Iraq say they feel “betrayed” by Washington’s threats to seize Greenland — the Arctic territory which belongs to Denmark.
Following the September 11, 2021, attacks, Denmark contributed up to 750 troops to the US-led invasion and occupation of Afghanistan. Out of that number, 44 were killed — the highest per capita death toll among coalition forces.
A further eight Danish soldiers were killed fighting alongside US forces in Iraq between 2003 and 2007.
The AP news agency spoke to two Danish veterans who said they understand Arctic security concerns but believe Denmark is committed to defending the region within NATO.
“When America needed us after 9/11 we were there,” said Martin Tamm Andersen, 46, a former Danish platoon commander whose vehicle struck an improvised explosive device (IED) in southern Afghanistan in 2010.
“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,” he said. “It’s a betrayal of the loyalty of our nation to the US and to our common alliance, NATO.”
Fellow Danish veteran Soren Knudsen also said that the US takeover of Greenland would mark “the final moment of my admiration and love of what has been the American experiment for 250 years.”
“I would be very sorry if it happened, because I would also see this as the final moments of the NATO alliance,” Knudsen said.