Fears in Greenland over US takeover after Venezuela operation

US forces detained Venezuela's president, who is reported held in the United States pending an initial hearing; a social media post depicting Greenland under a US flag prompted Danish and Greenland officials to publicly reaffirm the territory's integrity and to strengthen Arctic security.

US forces detained Venezuela's president in a recent operation and officials say he is being held in the United States pending legal proceedings. Shortly after the operation, a social media post showed Greenland overlaid with a US flag and the caption "SOON," which drew strong reactions in Greenland and Denmark. Denmark's ambassador to the US and the Danish prime minister responded by stressing Greenland's status within the Kingdom of Denmark and its ties to NATO, and by saying Denmark is stepping up defence measures in the Arctic. No changes to Greenland's legal status have been announced. Key facts: - US authorities detained Venezuela's president and his wife; they are reported held in the United States pending legal proceedings and an initial hearing could begin in the next 36 hours. - A post on social media showed Greenland with a US flag and the caption "SOON," prompting public outrage among Greenlanders and responses from Danish officials. - Denmark's ambassador and the prime minister publicly reaffirmed respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, noted Greenland's NATO ties, and said Denmark is strengthening Arctic defence and preparedness. Summary: The detention of Venezuela's president has drawn international attention and a related social media post about Greenland prompted immediate diplomatic responses. Danish officials have publicly reiterated Greenland's status and announced increased defence measures in the Arctic. The detained Venezuelan leader is reported to be held in the United States and an initial hearing could begin in the next 36 hours.