US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Future Danish Territory Annexation.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Outrage

Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

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

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Strategic Goals

The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 remarked.

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

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

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

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.