American Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.

Recent American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 stated.

He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance

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

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 annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.