US Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Anxieties of Future Greenland Takeover.

Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming 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 work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 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 intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.