US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 remarked.

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

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.