American Attack on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Future Danish Territory Annexation.

Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."

This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.

"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Opposition

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

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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