American Military Operation on Caracas Raises Anxieties of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Strategic Goals

The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

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

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.