US Attack on Caracas Raises Fears of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its president have renewed apprehension regarding America's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 stated.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

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

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.