American Attack on Venezuela Raises Fears of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The latest American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."

This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

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

After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 stated.

He described 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."

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.