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

The latest American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 stated.

He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.