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

The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence 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 few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.