American Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Fears of Future Danish Territory Annexation.

The latest American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Merely hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 described 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 Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying 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 must not take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently 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 unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.