US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Potential Greenland Takeover.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage

Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."

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

"Denmark and the US are strong partners 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 US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 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 Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern 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 vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.