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

The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Outrage

Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and our 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 pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying 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 stated.

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

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

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

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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