🔗 Share this article US Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Fears of Potential Greenland Takeover. Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in South America. Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON." This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives. "We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North." The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized. Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US." After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs." Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base. Refusing to Rule Out Force In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security." Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk." The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries." Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years. Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat? Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure." "It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.
Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in South America. Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON." This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives. "We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North." The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized. Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US." After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs." Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base. Refusing to Rule Out Force In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security." Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk." The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries." Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years. Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat? Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure." "It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.