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

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

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

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our 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 further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

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

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Opposition

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.