American Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Concerns of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Merely hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

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

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.