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

Recent US-led strike in Venezuela 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 set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage

Only hours following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.

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

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 stated.

He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish 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 statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.