US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Takeover.

The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.

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

The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 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 Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint 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 reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.