American Attack on Caracas Fuels Fears of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 international security."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

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