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

The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and strong criticism from Danish representatives.

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

The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Resistance

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

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.