US Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Concerns of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 remarked.

He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.