American Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Future Danish Territory Annexation.

Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.

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

The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

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

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global competition 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 Friction and Local Resistance

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

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.