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

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power competition in the polar region. "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 described 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 Friction and Local Resistance

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

The prime ministers of Denmark and 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 nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously 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 inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.