American Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Concerns of Future Danish Territory Acquisition.

The recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part 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 also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

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

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.