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

The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified 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 shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.