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

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "COMING."

This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"We 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 US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

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

The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

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