American Attack on Caracas Stokes Concerns of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage

Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation 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 our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The situation were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 remarked.

He characterized 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 Tensions and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now 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.