American Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Future Danish Territory Takeover.
Recent American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, 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 equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global rivalry 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.