US Attack on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Future Danish Territory Acquisition.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

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

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire 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 stated.

He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified 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 vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.