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

The recent American bombardment in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Posts and Official Outrage

Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. US security is also the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further pointed out that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Arctic and regional defence. "Furthermore, we demand full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests

The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

After the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a significant television appearance, the president refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 stated.

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 Local Opposition

In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Copenhagen, there is also little to no desire to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.