US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Future Greenland Takeover.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 described 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."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.