France To Send Troops To Greenland At Denmark's Request

PARIS, Jan 15 (Bernama-dpa) -- France is sending troops to Greenland at Denmark's request, President Emmanuel Macron said, joining other European allies in military exercises in the Arctic territory as United States (US) President Donald Trump ramps up threats over the island, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.

Macron said on social media platform X early on Thursday that the first French troops were on their way and that more would follow. 

The German Defence Ministry has also announced it will send personnel, describing the deployment as a "reconnaissance" to explore possible military contributions supporting Denmark's security in the region.

Macron said France would participate in "joint exercises" organised by Denmark that are being conducted under the name "Operation Arctic Endurance." Sweden and Norway have also confirmed their participation.

Greenland, a largely autonomous territory, is part of Denmark, a NATO member. 

On Wednesday, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that Greenland needs to be "in the hands" of the US. "Anything less than that is unacceptable," he added.

Macron addressed the US threat in a government briefing on Wednesday, saying that any challenge to the sovereignty of a European ally would have unprecedented consequences. France is monitoring the situation closely and said it would act in full solidarity with Denmark.

-- BERNAMA-dpa