🔗 Share this article American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Future Danish Territory Takeover. Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere. Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON." This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives. "We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic." The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized. Political Appointments and Strategic Goals The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US." Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs." Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base. Refusing to Rule Out Military Action In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security." Growing Tensions and Local 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 prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries." Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade. Expert View: A Credible Threat? Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure." "Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.
Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere. Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON." This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives. "We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic." The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized. Political Appointments and Strategic Goals The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US." Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs." Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base. Refusing to Rule Out Military Action In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security." Growing Tensions and Local 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 prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries." Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade. Expert View: A Credible Threat? Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure." "Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.