US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Future Danish Territory Takeover.
The recent American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate 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 ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global 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 stated.
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."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, 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 forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now 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 do anything about it," she observed.
