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

Recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

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

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position 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 remarked.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered 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 reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now 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.