US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Future Greenland Acquisition.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, 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 representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern 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 picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted 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 unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.