American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.

The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, 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 envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 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 international security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" 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 unified and stern statement: "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 overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now 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 unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.