US Attack on Venezuela Raises Anxieties of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.

The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage

Merely hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated 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 work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.