US Attack on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

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

The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 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."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.