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

The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Merely hours after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."

This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power 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 stated.

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 international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Opposition

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.