US Attack on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Potential Greenland Annexation.

Recent American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash

Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

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

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

The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Moves and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television appearance, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to acquire Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power rivalry 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 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 international security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

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

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Military analysts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "currently not so sure."

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