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

Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and future resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the president declined 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this persistent "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 both Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now 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 not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.