US Attack on Caracas Fuels Fears of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.

Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating 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 administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.