American Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Anxieties of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.

The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.

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

The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 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 Tensions and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?

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

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