US Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Fears of Potential Greenland Takeover.

Recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 remarked.

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 Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and 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 sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.