US Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Annexation.
The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power rivalry in the polar region. "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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis 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 few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
