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

Recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."

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

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

The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve 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 wider "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power competition in the Arctic. "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 international security."

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

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

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

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

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.