American Attack on Caracas Stokes Concerns of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island following the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

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

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 remarked.

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."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's 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 rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Analyst View: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.