US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Future Greenland Takeover.

The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass following the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 remarked.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

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

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