Concern Trump has taste for more missions

DONALD Trump's storming of Venezuela and seizure of its leader Nicolas Maduro has fuelled fears of other US military missions threatening the world order.

- BY CHRIS HUGHES Defence and Security Editor

Mr Trump warns Washington has its sights on Greenland, Cuba, Mexico, Colombia - even Iran - as Europe scrambles to try and react to the US President's dramatic show of force.

After Maduros capture at the weekend the White House posted a black and white image of President Trump at an airport with the caption “No games. FAFO”. The acronym for the slang term “F***ed Around and Found Out” was seen by some commentators as indicating a new hardline approach to US foreign policy.

There have been fears that America's actions could have repercussions across the world including Ukraine and Taiwan. Senior Labour MP Dame Emily Thornberry said yesterday: “It sets a really bad precedent for countries such as China and Russia, who may also think, well, we've got spheres of influence. Why can’t we do things like that within our sphere of influence like Ukraine or Taiwan?

CRISIS

“And it's quite difficult to say that they can't, given that America has done it and there's been no consequences and very little criticism, at least from Western governments.”

The biggest crisis for the UK could be triggered by a US takeover of Greenland, as it is part of Nato member Denmark's realm and a longstanding ally of Britain.

Mr Trump has repeatedly proposed annexing the Arctic territory, despite objections from Denmark's leader urging him to “stop the threats” over the strategic and mineral-rich island. But Washington believes the growing danger of Russian hypersonic rockets to the US means Greenland would offer it a much better early warning missile system.