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

Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."

This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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 must not take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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