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

The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 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 global security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

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

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now 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 who could intervene about it," she concluded.