US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.

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

The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests

The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, 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, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid 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."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

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

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

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

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

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

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