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

Recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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