US Military Operation on Caracas Raises Anxieties of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.