American Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Anxieties of Future Greenland Acquisition.

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Outrage

Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."

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

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of both 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 shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling 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 on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.