US Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Fears of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism 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 Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying great-power 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 stated.

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

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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