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

The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 remarked.

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

Mounting Friction and Local Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and stern 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 overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric 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 on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.