US Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Concerns of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid 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 stated.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

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

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

Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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