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

Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 described 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 global security."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.