American Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Concerns of Future Greenland Takeover.

Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 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 Friction and Local Opposition

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

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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