US Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Concerns of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The recent American strike in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Resistance

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

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

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

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted 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 few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.