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

The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."

This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Goals

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

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 remarked.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

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

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful 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 inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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