American Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Fears of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our 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 highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 stated.

He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.