American Attack on Caracas Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 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 global security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

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