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

Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage

Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

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

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded 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 few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.