American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash

Only hours following the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and strong criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying global 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 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 Tensions and Local Opposition

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to declare independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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