US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.

The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

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

"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of 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 international security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling 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 unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.