US Military Operation on Caracas Raises Fears of Potential Danish Territory Annexation.

The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing global competition 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency 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 must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

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