American Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Concerns of Potential Danish Territory Takeover.

The latest American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 "tiny 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 reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted 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 few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.