US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Future Greenland Acquisition.

The recent American military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

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

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

The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television interview, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 remarked.

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

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

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

The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.