US Military Operation on Caracas Raises Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.

The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island following the events in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."

This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 characterized 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."

Mounting Friction and Local Opposition

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

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.