US Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Concerns of Future Greenland Takeover.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented 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 cannot take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded 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 troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.