American Military Operation on Caracas Fuels Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Backlash

Only a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

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

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Appointments and Strategic Goals

The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power competition 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 remarked.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

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

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. 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 seek independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.