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

The recent American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Danish officials.

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

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

The situation were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global 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 remarked.

He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.