US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Future Danish Territory Annexation.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

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

The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating 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 administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed 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 troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.