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

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's 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 unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.