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

Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally 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 "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media interview, 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 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 remarked.

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 Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.