US Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Anxieties of Future Danish Territory Annexation.

The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with 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 immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global competition in the polar region. "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."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.