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

The latest American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage

Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."

This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 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 Local Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric 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 do anything about it," she concluded.