American Attack on Caracas Fuels Concerns of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.

Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 stated.

He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Opposition

In response 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 prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "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 overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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