US Attack on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Future Greenland Acquisition.

The recent American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing great-power 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

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

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