American Attack on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.

Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Merely hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate 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 US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally 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 "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position 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 stated.

He described 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."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.