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

The recent American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Outrage

Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

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

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 remarked.

He described 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 response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

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

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.