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

The recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.