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

The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

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

The leaders 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."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously 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 few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.