US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

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

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

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

The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "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 vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, 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 Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now 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 not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.