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

The latest US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Outrage

Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."

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

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Indigenous Resistance

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.