The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."
This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint 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 sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted 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 couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
