US Attack on Caracas Stokes Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.

Recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours following the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the single-word message: "COMING."

This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable television appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global 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 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 Resistance

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

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued 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 complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Expert View: A Credible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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