The latest American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global rivalry in the polar region. "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 described 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."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance
In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted 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 intervene about it," she observed.
