US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 remarked.

He described 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."

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.