American Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Fears of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.
The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Resistance
In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once 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 few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
