American Attack on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once 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 inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.