US Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

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

The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 stated.

He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Opposition

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

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.