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

The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Only hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.