US Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Potential Danish Territory Takeover.
The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment 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, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power competition 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 cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and 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 shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.