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

The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."

This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire 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 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 Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.