US Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Fears of Future Danish Territory Takeover.

The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 "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 Resistance

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?

Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once 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 on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.