American Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Fears of Future Greenland Acquisition.

Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests

The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force 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 stated.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

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

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

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