US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 described 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 global security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

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

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once 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 few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.