US Attack on Caracas Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time following the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

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

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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