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

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Official Outrage

Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global rivalry 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 "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 Local Resistance

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

The leaders of both Greenland delivered a unified 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 complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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