American Attack on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The latest American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Merely a short time following the start 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 stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests

The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 described 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 Friction and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted 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 soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.