American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Future Danish Territory Takeover.

The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."

This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 stated.

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."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint 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 complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.