US Attack on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This overt threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power rivalry in the polar region. "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 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."

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

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

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?

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

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.