US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Potential Danish Territory Takeover.

The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 "tiny 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 persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now 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 not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.