US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

Recent American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 remarked.

He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance

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

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously 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 troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.