US Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Anxieties of Future Greenland Annexation.

Recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed apprehension regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Only a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global rivalry 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The prime ministers of Denmark and 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 sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in military analysis 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 couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.