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

The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.

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

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition

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

The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

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

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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