American Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position 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."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

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

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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