American Attack on Venezuela Raises Anxieties of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.

Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.

"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global competition 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small 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 "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.