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

The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island following the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

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 "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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