American Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Fears of Future Greenland Takeover.
The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Political Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric 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 not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
