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

Recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

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

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 remarked.

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

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military 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 couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.