American Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Future Danish Territory Takeover.

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted 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 couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.