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

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global rivalry 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 constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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