US Attack on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Future Greenland Acquisition.

The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" 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 wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 remarked.

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

Mounting Friction and Local Opposition

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish 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 joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.