American Attack on Caracas Raises Fears of Future Danish Territory Annexation.

The latest American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 stated.

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

Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.