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

Recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly 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 envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 stated.

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

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

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

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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