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

Recent American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

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

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted 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 inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.