American Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Fears of Future Greenland Takeover.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power competition in the Arctic. "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 take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.