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

The recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global competition 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.