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

The recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Official Outrage

Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."

This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 described 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 global security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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