US Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Fears of Future Greenland Takeover.

The recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."

This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global competition 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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

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

The leaders 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."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence 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 Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted 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 few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.