US Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Anxieties of Potential Danish Territory Takeover.

The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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 stated.

He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

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

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "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 vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.