American Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Anxieties of Potential Greenland Takeover.

The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing global rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance

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

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?

Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.