US Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Anxieties of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Only a short time after the start of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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