American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

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

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 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 Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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