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

The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Outrage

Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Goals

The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 described 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 threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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