American Attack on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Future Danish Territory Acquisition.

The recent American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Outrage

Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

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

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 remarked.

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."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.