American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's ambitions 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.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

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

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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

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

Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.