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

The recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

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

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.