American Attack on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Future Greenland Acquisition.

The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."

This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

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

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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