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

The latest American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration'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 island is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling 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 on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.