American Attack on Venezuela Raises Anxieties of Future Danish Territory Acquisition.

The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

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

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

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

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 characterized 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 Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "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 picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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