US Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Anxieties of Future Danish Territory Takeover.

Recent American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Only hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

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

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power competition 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 remarked.

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 international security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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