American Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Fears of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests

The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out 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 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 remarked.

He characterized 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 international security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

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

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.