American Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Fears of Future Greenland Annexation.
Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked 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 representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 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 Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders 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."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
