Greenlanders stock up on emergency supplies amid concerns about region’s future

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Greenlanders stock up on emergency supplies amid concerns about region’s future

2026-02-12 03:45 Last Updated At：02-13 13:36

Although U.S. President Donald Trump seemed to walk back his threats to take control of Greenland during his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, Greenlanders are still concerned about their future on the world's largest island.

Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining control over defense and foreign policy.

Since returning to office in 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to "obtain" Greenland, a threat that has caused grave concerns on the island and across the world.

Against this backdrop, and following government advice to Greenlanders to stock at least five days' worth of basic supplies, including drinking water, food and sanitary products, some stores in Greenland's capital Nuuk have seen a fall in their stocks of some emergency goods.

Rasmus Nielsen, manager of a hunting and outdoor gear store in Nuuk, says that despite early concerns about U.S. intentions, there has not been a noticeable increase in sales of firearms.

"We do not see the increase of firearms selling more, maybe more bullets. We were quite worried at first, but we also have to use our common sense that it will be a very high crime to take over a land like that. But that made people worried of what's going on," said.

Greenland has a high rate of gun ownership, with over 35,000 rifles in the hands of a population of 56,000, primarily for hunting and safety against polar bears.

Anthony Moregard, manager of a hardware store, said local residents appear to be taking emergency preparedness more seriously.

"I remember one week ago, so they came to buy many things used to water and to cooking. Something to use to take water, and gas to cook food, and generators, all these sold out. Maybe we take again maybe this week or next week," he said.

The Danish government, responding to a request from the Greenland government, has confirmed it is assisting the territory in bolstering its emergency preparedness.

"That situation is not good for all of us from Greenland. I hope they are not coming," Moregard said, adding people should be prepared against any eventuality even if Trump appears to have dropped his threats for now.

Iranian sports community condemns U.S.-Israeli strikes on civilian facilities

A representative of the Iranian sports community on Friday condemned the United States and Israel for attacking the country's civilian facilities, saying that such acts constitute a flagrant violation of international law.

The remarks were made at a press conference held amid the debris of the Azadi Sports Complex, where a 12,000-seat stadium, primarily used for volleyball matches, was destroyed in a U.S. -Israeli strike on March 5.

According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, the dormitory and new building of Iran's Cycling Federation, as well as a main swimming pool and parts of the Rowing Federation located in the complex, were also destroyed in the attack.

"We emphasize that sports activities are purely civilian in nature, and sports venues are places for training, competition, and public gatherings. Under no circumstances should they be regarded as military targets. Attacks on such venues must cease immediately. Under international law, striking sports facilities constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. The protection of civilian areas is not an option but an international obligation. Respect for humanitarian principles should not be limited by geographical location," said Tajernia, a representative of the Iranian sporting community.

Multiple explosions rocked northeastern Tehran at around 16:00 on Friday, according to a China Media Group (CMG) crew reporting from the city. The sounds of fighter jets and air raid sirens were heard.

Citing Iranian sources, China Media Group (CMG) said the United States and Israel carried out airstrikes on multiple locations across Iran on Friday afternoon, including Shahid Beheshti University and Mehrabad Airport in Tehran.

Multiple explosions rocked northeastern Tehran at around 16:00, according to the CMG crew reporting from the city. The sounds of fighter jets and air raid sirens were heard.

An attack on south Iran's port of Chabahar killed one person, damaged four vessels, and destroyed several buildings. The strike marked the second assault on the port within 24 hours.