American Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Fears of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.

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

The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

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

The prime ministers of both Greenland issued 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 shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.