US Attack on Caracas Raises Concerns of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

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

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

Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern 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 inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director 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 couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.