US Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Fears of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.

Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 stated.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing 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 deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.