American Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Potential Greenland Takeover.
The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
