US Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Fears of Potential Danish Territory Takeover.

The recent American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also 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 North."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment 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 work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 stated.

He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

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

The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted 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 not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.