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

The recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast island following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 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."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and stern 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 overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.