American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly focused on the vast landmass in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage

Merely a short time following the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved European partners with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing great-power competition 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Friction and Local Opposition

In response to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Scenario?

Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could intervene about it," she observed.