American Attack on Caracas Fuels Concerns of Future Danish Territory Annexation.

The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage

Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."

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

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 stated.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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