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

The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were further complicated 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 capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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