American Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Anxieties of Future Greenland Acquisition.

The recent American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance

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

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."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently 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 not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.