American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Future Danish Territory Annexation.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Only hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."

This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power competition 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously 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 few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.