US Attack on Caracas Stokes Fears of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The latest American military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have ignited worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast landmass following the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

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

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for national security and future resource extraction. It currently houses the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

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

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst specializing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.