US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Potential Danish Territory Takeover.

The latest American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.

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

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 remarked.

He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed 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 on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.