American Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Future Greenland Takeover.
Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global competition in the Arctic. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
