US Attack on Caracas Stokes Concerns of Future Greenland Acquisition.

The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Merely hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 stated.

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 global security."

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

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