American Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Fears of Potential Danish Territory Takeover.
The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.
"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global competition 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 cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted 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 on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
