American Attack on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Official Outrage

Only hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.

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

The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power competition in the polar region. "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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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 cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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