US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The latest American strike in the South American nation and the seizure of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the vast island in the wake of the events in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only hours after the start of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."

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

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

The ambassador additionally pointed out that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large amount expressly for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is considered vitally strategic for national security and future resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable media appearance, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This position comes during intensifying global competition 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 take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."

Mounting Friction and Local Resistance

In reaction to this constant "rhetoric" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously 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.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some experts are increasingly re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard 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 observed.