US Attack on Venezuela Raises Fears of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

Recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 stated.

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

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.