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

The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.