US Attack on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Future Danish Territory Takeover.

The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."

This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

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

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.