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

The latest American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global competition 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service 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 statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed 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 few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.