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

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador 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 significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 remarked.

He characterized 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 Friction and Indigenous Resistance

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

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.