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

The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage

Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 remarked.

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

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" 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 unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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