US Attack on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Future Danish Territory Takeover.

Recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 remarked.

He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition

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

The leaders of both 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."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.