US Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Anxieties of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly focused on the strategically important island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Provocative Messages and Official Backlash

Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, with the cryptic message: "SOON."

This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.

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

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly boosted its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial amount specifically for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests

The tensions were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The island is considered vitally important for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Military Action

In a significant television interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position 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 remarked.

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

Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had once dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

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