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

The recent American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.

"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 described 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."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers 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 overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now 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 unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.