US Attack on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Potential Danish Territory Takeover.

The latest American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of 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 married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests

The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic 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 declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

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

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

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