US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Future Greenland Takeover.

The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power rivalry 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."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" 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 forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.