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

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Outrage

Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked 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 representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Friction and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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 cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.