American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Danish Territory Takeover.

The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."

This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment 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 role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying 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 must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

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

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.