US Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish officials.

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying 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 stated.

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 global security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of both Greenland delivered 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 reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

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