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

The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 remarked.

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 international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

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