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

The recent American strike in Venezuela and the seizure of its leader have sparked apprehension regarding America's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Official Outrage

Only hours following the start of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to claim the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked swift and firm criticism from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the US collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."

The ambassador further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global competition 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Military analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.