US Attack on Venezuela Raises Fears of Potential Danish Territory Takeover.
Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."
This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 remarked.
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 global security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing 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 few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
