American Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Concerns of Future Danish Territory Annexation.

Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."

This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

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

The prime ministers of Denmark and 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."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.