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

The recent American strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Only hours after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, shared a symbolic map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant media interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power competition 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 stated.

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 international security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

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

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

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