American Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Concerns of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the former president's base have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a suggestive image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

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

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The situation were further complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television appearance, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 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."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Threat?

Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.