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

Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power competition 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

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

The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified 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 nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted 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 on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.