US Military Operation on Caracas Raises Concerns of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The latest American military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have ignited apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Merely hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant media interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 stated.

He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global 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 Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One thinktank director focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she concluded.