US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Future Greenland Acquisition.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage

Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid 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."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.