US Attack on Venezuela Raises Fears of Future Greenland Acquisition.

Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."

This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American 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 highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 stated.

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

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified 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 picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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