American Military Operation on Caracas Raises Concerns of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

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 national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 remarked.

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

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric 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 inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.