US Attack on Caracas Stokes Fears of Future Danish Territory Acquisition.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage

Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared 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 further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power competition 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 described 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."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed 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 inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.