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

The latest American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Merely hours after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

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

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

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

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.