US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Future Danish Territory Acquisition.

The recent American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."

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

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern 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."

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

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power rivalry 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, 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 statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.