American Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests

The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

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