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

The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.

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

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 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 Friction and Indigenous Resistance

In reaction 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 prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.