US Military Operation on Caracas Raises Concerns of Future Greenland Acquisition.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

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

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

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

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance

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

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

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