American Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Potential Greenland Takeover.

The recent American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage

Merely a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."

This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

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

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 described 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."

Mounting Friction and Local Opposition

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 prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood 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 few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.