US Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage

Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

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

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition in the polar region. "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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of both 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 shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded 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 couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.