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

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.

"We are close allies 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 United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global rivalry 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."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

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 both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy 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 concluded.