American Attack on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Future Danish Territory Acquisition.

The recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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 must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.