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

Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

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

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 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 international security."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed 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 troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.