American Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Takeover.

The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 remarked.

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

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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