US Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Concerns of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

The latest US-led military action in the South American nation 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 focused on the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 stated.

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 Friction and Indigenous Resistance

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.