US Attack on Caracas Raises Fears of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

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

The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.