US Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Anxieties of Future Greenland Takeover.

The latest American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s 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 ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted 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 troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.