American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Official Outrage

Only a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 stated.

He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful 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 picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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