US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.

The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."

This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

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

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 stated.

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 Tensions and Local Opposition

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified 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 picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.