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

The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island following the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

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

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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