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

Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage

Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."

This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

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

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European 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 Force

In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

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

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.