US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate 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 ensure security in the North."

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

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 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."

Growing Friction 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 "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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