American Attack on Caracas Fuels Concerns of Future Greenland Acquisition.

Recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."

This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders 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."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

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

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.