US Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Fears of Future Greenland Annexation.

Recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Merely hours following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during 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 characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.