US Attack on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Future Danish Territory Acquisition.

Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"We are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. American 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 guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry 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 described 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."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

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

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 take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously 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 couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.