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

The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the previous 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 work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of 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 stated.

He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

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

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