US Military Operation on Caracas Raises Concerns of Potential Danish Territory Takeover.

The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."

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

"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power competition 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition

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

The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station 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.