US Attack on Caracas Raises Fears of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

The situation were additionally complicated by the previous 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 "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power 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 global security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The prime ministers of both Greenland issued 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 shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.