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

Recent American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."

This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent 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 unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global rivalry 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.