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

The latest American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

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

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 stated.

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 global security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

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

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.