US Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Anxieties of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

"We are strong partners and should keep 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 US collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 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 global security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service 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 forceful statement: "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 sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.