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

The latest American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power competition 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

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

The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

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