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

Recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Outrage

Only a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

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

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

Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

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

The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.