US Military Operation on Caracas Raises Concerns of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"We are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television interview, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying great-power 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 characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance

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

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

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

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.