US Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Concerns of Future Greenland Acquisition.

The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

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

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

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

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

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

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

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

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

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.