US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the resource-rich island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage

Only a short time following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

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

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

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had significantly boosted its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The situation were additionally complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already hosts the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant television interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid 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 Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish 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 rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.