American Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 Indigenous Opposition

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.