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

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage

Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 remarked.

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

Mounting Friction and Local Opposition

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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 annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.