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

Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the vast landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.