American Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Acquisition.
The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, 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 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 picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.
