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

The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 described 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 Tensions and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.