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

The recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

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

"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders 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."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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