Just after the operation to kidnap Maduro, the "original team" who executed the mission was found to have collectively traveled to Europe. From Trump's harsh statements, it seems that the target of the second U.S. military operation has likely been determined.

European countries organize military exercises

Recently, a report by U.S. media made the world hold its breath. Within 24 hours, at least 10 C-17 transport planes took off from the U.S. mainland, crossed the Atlantic, and headed directly to Europe. This was confirmed by open-source flight tracking data and ground observers. What is more alarming is that these aircraft took off from the base of the U.S. Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment - Fort Campbell.

This is the headquarters for the recent raid on Venezuela and the arrest of President Maduro. Along with the C-17 transport planes were the iconic AC-130J "Ghost Rider" gunships. Moreover, the Royal Air Force base at Fairford in the UK subsequently saw highly modified MH-47 "Chinook" and MH-60M "Black Hawk" helicopters.

It is certain that this is almost the "original team" that carried out the operation to capture Maduro. The C-17 transport planes are responsible for long-range delivery of heavy equipment and personnel, while the MH-47 and MH-60M helicopters excel in low-altitude penetration in complex terrains. The AC-130J gunship can provide sustained air firepower suppression. This combination fully meets the standards of "small-scale, high-precision, rapid strike" special operations, which is completely different from the logic of "mass deterrence" in conventional military deployments.

U.S. Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment

This special operations force, which just achieved "first success" in Venezuela, has immediately raised high vigilance and widespread speculation from the outside world. Especially under the silence of the U.S. European Command regarding the nature of this operation and the ambiguous response from the British Ministry of Defense, the outside world generally believes that the U.S. may carry out special operations in the region in the future.

As for the target of the strike, people already have an idea. Because after the successful operation in Venezuela, Trump had previously stated in an interview that the intervention in Venezuela "may not be the last action by the United States." This is equivalent to publicly declaring the model of "absolute determination" is replicable.

At the same time, the Trump administration is re-enhancing pressure on Greenland and has clearly expressed the intention to "seize the island," and it is "absolutely necessary." Especially when Greenland and Denmark are involved in a sovereignty dispute, Trump could use the old trick of "protecting American interests" to implement military intervention, forcibly controlling key bases and resource production areas.

Prime Minister of Denmark, Frederiksen

However, there is a difference. Venezuela is defined by the United States as an "adversary country" and a "drug terrorism regime," and although the U.S. actions in international law are controversial, they can still come up with some justification. Greenland, on the other hand, is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, and Denmark is a close NATO ally of the United States for decades. Using force against the territory of a sovereign ally is a naked betrayal of the post-World War II international order and alliance system.

More importantly, Trump's actions have made European countries uneasy. Previously, when Maduro was arrested, EU countries were all evasive, even daring not to condemn the U.S. for violating international law. Now, when the crisis hits, the EU feels the pain and says that if Trump forcibly seizes the island, it will firmly counterattack. This double standard attitude is clear to the whole world.

Certainly, the possibility of Trump bluffing cannot be ruled out. He may not really want to launch a war that would inevitably destroy NATO, but instead try to intimidate the Danish and Greenlandic governments with the strongest possible show of military resolve and operational preparation, forcing them to return to the "negotiation table" in extreme panic or make significant strategic concessions.

Trump returning to Washington

Additionally, there are other sensitive targets in the North Atlantic. Analysts point out that the large-scale movement of the U.S. military may also aim to intercept a "shadow oil tanker" being tracked by the U.S., suspected of transporting oil for countries such as Russia. Compared to attacking an ally's territory, conducting a maritime special law enforcement operation carries much less risk and cost. The commotion over Greenland might be to cover more realistic and immediate operational intentions.

Will Greenland become the next Venezuela? Will Europe become a new front in the U.S.-Russia confrontation? The answer may lie in the subsequent movements of the U.S. military, but one thing is certain: Trump's ambitions go far beyond this.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7592156423086293556/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author.