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

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 remarked.

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 Friction and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.