American Military Operation on Caracas Raises Concerns of Potential Greenland Annexation.

Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance 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 stated.

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

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The prime ministers of both 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 shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank 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 deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.