American Attack on Venezuela Raises Fears of Potential Greenland Annexation.
The recent American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Threat?
Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
