US Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Anxieties of Future Danish Territory Acquisition.

The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Merely hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together 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 ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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