US Attack on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Merely a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global rivalry 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 remarked.

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

Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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