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

Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism 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 Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.