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

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage

Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American 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 work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. 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 island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed 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 troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.