US Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Fears of Future Danish Territory Annexation.

Recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

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

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 stated.

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."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

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

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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