American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Future Greenland Acquisition.

The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power 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 global security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition

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

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence 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 Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously 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 troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.