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

The recent US-led military action in the South American nation and the detention of its president have renewed unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in South America.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a symbolic image. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the American flag, with the single-word caption: "COMING."

This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Danish officials.

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a large amount specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests

The situation were further exacerbated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "honour" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's decisive move, linking it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Since returning to office, the American leader has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a notable media interview, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing 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 stated.

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

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this constant "rhetoric" of intent, Denmark's security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek independence for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Scenario?

Some experts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

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