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

The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage

Only hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."

This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

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

The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.