US Attack on Caracas Fuels Anxieties of Future Danish Territory Takeover.

The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."

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

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position 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 remarked.

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

Mounting Friction and Indigenous 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 "potential threat."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful 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 nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.