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

The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy 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 Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

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

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.