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

The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended 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 interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 remarked.

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 global security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's 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 take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.