The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage
Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern 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 tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global rivalry 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 remarked.
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."
Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
