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From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more For the first time in over 100 years, Canada’s military is simulating its response to a potential invasion by the U. S., as tensions escalate between President Donald Trump’s administration and NATO allies, according to a new report. The simulation outlines how Canadian Armed Forces would respond if faced with a U. S. military incursion. It includes plans for using unconventional tactics, drone warfare and requests for backup from European allies, according to two senior Canadian officials who spoke with . This model is entirely theoretical and precautionary; officials emphasize that an invasion from the U. S. seems unlikely. However, it does show just how strained relations have become between these two long-time allies and major trading partners over this past year. A poll conducted this summer even found that many Canadians now see the U. S. as their biggest threat. Since he took office last January, Trump has frequently voiced his interest in making Canada “the 51st state.” Recently he has been focusing again on Canada’s supposed “vulnerability” to foreign threats in its Arctic regions. Simultaneously, Trump has expressed his intent to take control of Greenland-a territory belonging to Denmark-which is another NATO ally. The White House claims it needs Greenland for national security reasons and sees several options for achieving this aim, including military action. open image in gallery Canada has modeled a military response to a hypothetical U. S. invasion, according to a new report (AFP via Getty) Trump’s statements have raised alarms among NATO members like France and Germany, prompting them to send troops into Greenland. Canadian officials are also considering sending forces there. “On Arctic sovereignty, we stand firmly with Greenland and Denmark and fully support their unique right to determine Greenland’s future,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in Switzerland on Tuesday. Last week he committed himself publicly toward strengthening ties with China while working towards creating a “new world order”-highlighting what appears as an ongoing decline of U. S.-led alliances. A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond when The Independent reached out for comment.
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Trump has repeatedly spoken about Canada becoming the ‘51st state’ and recently posted a map showing the American flag draped over the Great White North (POOL/AFP via Getty)
The Canadian military’s strategy anticipates that any invasion would start from south of its borders while Americans move quickly toward strategic targets.
The Canadian forces lack sufficient personnel or equipment needed for facing off against a conventional attack; therefore they would depend on “unconventional warfare,” which might involve sabotage tactics or ambushes along with drone operations as reported by .
An official noted that this approach takes inspiration from Mujahideen fighters who utilized hit-and-run strategies during their resistance against Russian forces during Afghanistan’s Soviet War.
“The goal of these tactics would be causing significant casualties among U. S occupation troops,” stated one official regarding this plan.
If attacked by America, it’s likely that Canada’s government will call upon assistance from other nuclear powers such as France or Britain.
“You know if you come after Canada you are going get others coming after you too-probably even more than what happens at Greenland because people care about what happens here unlike Venezuela,” remarked retired Major-General David Fraser who commanded Canadian troops during Afghanistan deployments.”We could realistically see German ships alongside British planes reinforcing sovereignty within our country.”
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It’s thought to be first time since over century ago when Canadian military set up model regarding any possible United States invasion based upon reports provided (AFP via Getty)Yet still one official mentioned positively existing relationship shared among militaries between both nations remains good overall despite concerns raised throughout recent events; just earlier this week they collaborated together participating NORAD exercises taking place around area known as Greenland.
Retired Lieutenant-General Mike Day , who formerly led Special Forces Command commented saying idea suggesting likelihood involving American forces launching direct attacks against Canadians sounds rather unrealistic.
However some experts suggested enhancing defensive measures combined with preparation strategies could effectively help deter risks posed-no matter how minimal those threats might seem presently.
“The better Canada can embrace this approach towards homeland defense,” explained University Toronto political scientist Aisha Ahmad , “the less likely all those dreadful scenarios nobody wants will ever become reality.”
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