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

The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage

Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep 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 further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television interview, the leader declined to exclude the use of 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 remarked.

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

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

The leaders of both Greenland issued a joint and forceful 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 complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

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

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.