American Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Anxieties of Future Danish Territory Annexation.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Merely hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 stated.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling 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 must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.