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

Recent American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media interview, the president refused to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 remarked.

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 global security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Military experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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