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

Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

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

"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 remarked.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish 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."

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

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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