US Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Fears of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent American strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

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

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally 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 additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 characterized 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."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

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

The leaders of both Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in defence admitted she had once discounted 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 unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.