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

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 remarked.

He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition

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

The leaders of both 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 shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted 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 few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.