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

The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The prime ministers 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."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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