American Military Operation on Caracas Raises Concerns of Future Greenland Acquisition.

Recent American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Goals

The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state 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 "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power competition in the polar region. "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 international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Opposition

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

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling 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 who could intervene about it," she concluded.