American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Future Danish Territory Acquisition.

The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Outrage

Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.

"We 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. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 Tensions and Local Resistance

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling 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."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.