US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 remarked.

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 international security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

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

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.