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

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

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

"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s 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 further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 remarked.

He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing 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 station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.