American Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the events in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global competition 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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