American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Future Greenland Takeover.

Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

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

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant television interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global rivalry 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 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 Indigenous Opposition

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing 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 deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.