US Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power competition in the Arctic. "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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

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

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

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