US Attack on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Future Greenland Acquisition.

The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.

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

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying 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 remarked.

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

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

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

The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

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