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

The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 stated.

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

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.