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

The recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to 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 collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously 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 troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.