US Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Fears of Future Greenland Annexation.
Recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power rivalry in the polar region. "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 remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
