American Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Fears of Future Danish Territory Takeover.

The recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Outrage

Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer 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."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 stated.

He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Friction and Local Opposition

In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.