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

The latest American bombardment in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Members of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.

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

The ambassador additionally pointed out that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the president's actions, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a notable media appearance, the president refused to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire 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 remarked.

He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful 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 nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Some experts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in military analysis admitted she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.