US Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Fears of Future Greenland Acquisition.

The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "COMING."

This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 remarked.

He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

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