American Attack on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Future Greenland Acquisition.

The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Merely a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

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

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further 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 capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 stated.

He described 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."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling 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 annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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