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

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed worry regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich landmass following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only a short time after the start of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the single-word message: "SOON."

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

"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and Denmark’s 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 additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "Furthermore, we demand complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television interview, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 stated.

He characterized 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."

Mounting Friction and Local Opposition

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.