American Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Fears of Future Greenland Takeover.

The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of 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 stated.

He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.