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

Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have reportedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary 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 must not annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.