US Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Anxieties of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television interview, the president refused to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

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