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

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’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 Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 value them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.