US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying 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 value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

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 cannot take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted 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 do anything about it," she observed.