US Military Operation on Caracas Raises Anxieties of Future Danish Territory Acquisition.

Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage

Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

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

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 remarked.

He described 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 global security."

Mounting Friction and Local Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's 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 cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.