US Attack on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Future Danish Territory Annexation.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Merely hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint 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 nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.