American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Potential Greenland Takeover.

The recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

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

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.