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

The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

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

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 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 global security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's 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 joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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