US Attack on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Future Danish Territory Annexation.

The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate 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 US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling 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 do anything about it," she concluded.