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Denmark Summons US Diplomat Over Alleged Covert Operations in Greenland
Denmark has summoned the United States’ top diplomat in the country following reports that individuals with ties to former US President Donald Trump were engaged in covert influence operations aimed at undermining Copenhagen’s relationship with Greenland.
The move came after Danish public broadcaster DR reported that at least three Trump-linked figures were allegedly attempting to sway opinion within Greenlandic society, with the broader objective of weakening Greenland’s ties to Denmark. Citing a combination of government, security, and unnamed international sources, DR said it could not confirm whether the individuals were acting independently or on orders from elsewhere.
Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has long been a focal point of geopolitical interest. Its strategic location in the North Atlantic and vast natural resources have drawn attention from Washington. During his presidency, Trump made headlines by expressing interest in purchasing Greenland, a proposal swiftly rejected by both Copenhagen and Nuuk.
Responding to the latest allegations, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said his government was alert to continued foreign interest in Greenland. “It is therefore not surprising if we experience outside attempts to influence the future of the Kingdom in the time ahead,” Rasmussen stated. “Any attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the Kingdom will of course be unacceptable.”
He confirmed that the US chargé d’affaires, Mark Stroh, had been summoned for talks at the Foreign Ministry. With Washington currently lacking an ambassador in Denmark, Stroh is the most senior American diplomat in Copenhagen.
Rasmussen stressed that ties between Denmark and Greenland remain strong and rooted in trust. However, he also issued a warning in July that Trump’s expansionist ambitions in Greenland were “not over and done,” despite widespread international criticism. Earlier this year, Trump caused alarm across Europe when he refused to rule out using military or economic pressure to assert US control over the island.
Greenland’s population of roughly 56,000 has so far strongly opposed any prospect of becoming part of the United States. Recent elections in Nuuk delivered a coalition government committed to defending self-determination, underlining resistance to external influence.
In response to increasing geopolitical pressure, Denmark has announced a 14.6 billion kroner (€1.95 billion) plan to strengthen its military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Officials say the investment will enhance surveillance and defence capabilities in the region, which has grown in strategic importance amid renewed global competition.
While Copenhagen continues to cooperate closely with Washington as a NATO ally, Danish officials have made clear that any efforts—whether by individuals or governments—to disrupt its relationship with Greenland will not be tolerated.
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Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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