US Attack on Venezuela Stokes Fears of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the former president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the vast landmass in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture showed Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."

This blatant suggestion to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also the Arctic's and our security," declared 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 the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The situation were further complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the most northerly US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes amid intensifying global 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 remarked.

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

Growing Tensions and Local Resistance

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Threat?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy analyst specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

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