US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Future Danish Territory Takeover.

Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island following the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Merely a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

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

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 stated.

He characterized 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 Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful 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 overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.