American Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Anxieties of Potential Danish Territory Takeover.

Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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 annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.