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

The latest American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.

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

The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.