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

The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

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

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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