American Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.

Recent American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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