American Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Future Greenland Annexation.

Recent US-led bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

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

"We are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, allocating 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.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer role 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 alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?

Military analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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