US Attack on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should keep work together 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 diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted 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 soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.