US Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Concerns of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate 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 collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 stated.

He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

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

The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint 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 nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis 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 few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.