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

Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing global 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 remarked.

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

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

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

The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "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 picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.