US Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Concerns of Future Greenland Takeover.
The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
