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

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 described 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."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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