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

Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global competition 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 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."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.