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

Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.

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

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 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 global security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling 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 which power could intervene about it," she observed.