US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Future Danish Territory Annexation.

The latest American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to 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 praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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 must not annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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