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

The recent American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

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

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 global security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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