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

The latest US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

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

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."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage 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 option to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric 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 unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.