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

The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 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 international security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.