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

The recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment 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 role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling 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 must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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