🔗 Share this article US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Potential Greenland Takeover. Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere. Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON." This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials. "Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North." The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized. Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US." After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics." Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base. Refusing to Rule Out Military Action In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global competition 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 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." Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat." The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries." Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade. Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat? Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure." "Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere. Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON." This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials. "Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North." The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized. Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US." After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics." Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base. Refusing to Rule Out Military Action In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global competition 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 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." Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat." The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries." Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade. Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat? Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure." "Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.