American Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Anxieties of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Merely hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt threat to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant media appearance, the president declined to rule out the use of military force 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 cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric 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 inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.