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

The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage

Merely a short time following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

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

The diplomat additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."

Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition 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 "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 Resistance

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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