US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Potential Danish Territory Acquisition.

Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of 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 stated.

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

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.