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

The recent US-led strike in Venezuela and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours following the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

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

The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial amount expressly for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position 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 remarked.

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 global security."

Growing Tensions and Local Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and 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 picture. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Military experts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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