American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."

This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"We are strong partners 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 US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 stated.

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 international security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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