US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.

The recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 stated.

He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern 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 complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.