American Attack on Caracas Raises Fears of Potential Greenland Annexation.
Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.
"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also 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.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
