US Military Operation on Caracas Stokes Fears of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have renewed worry regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island following the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing global 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric 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 inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.