US Attack on Caracas Fuels Anxieties of Future Greenland Annexation.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Only a short time following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"We are strong partners 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. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, 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 envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of both 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 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 territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.