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

Recent American strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

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

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

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

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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