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

The recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage

Only a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

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

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position 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 look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently 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 which power could do anything about it," she observed.