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

The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

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

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 stated.

He characterized 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 Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.