American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Potential Greenland Takeover.
The recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small 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 persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
