US Military Operation on Caracas Raises Concerns of Potential Greenland Takeover.

The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage

Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role 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 broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service 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 rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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