American Attack on Caracas Raises Fears of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 stated.

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

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service 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 statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed 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 soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.