American Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Concerns of Future Danish Territory Annexation.
Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Interests
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 remarked.
He described 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 international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
