American Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Concerns of Future Greenland Takeover.

The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage

Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

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

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.