US Attack on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.

The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."

This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 stated.

He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted 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 soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.