American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Takeover.

The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

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

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.