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 leader have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 "tiny 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 persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, 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.

Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.