American Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.

The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."

This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 characterized 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 constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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 must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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