The latest American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 characterized 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."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
