American Military Operation on Caracas Raises Anxieties of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.

The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global rivalry 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 value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

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

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted 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 on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.