US Attack on Caracas Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests

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

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance 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 stated.

He described 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 global security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented 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."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.