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

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."

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

"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power competition in the polar region. "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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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