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

Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, 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 also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power competition in the polar region. "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 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 international security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In response 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 leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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