American Attack on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 remarked.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "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 residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.