US Attack on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Potential Danish Territory Takeover.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying 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, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global rivalry 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency 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 annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.