US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Potential Danish Territory Takeover.

The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

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

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment 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."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 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."

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.