American Attack on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Future Greenland Acquisition.

The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

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

The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.