American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Danish Territory Takeover.
Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Official Outrage
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Force
In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Threat?
Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.
