US Military Operation on Caracas Raises Concerns of Potential Danish Territory Takeover.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

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

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 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 international security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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