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

The latest US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have reportedly focused on the resource-rich island following the operations in South America.

Inflammatory Posts and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time following the start of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."

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

"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to work together as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The ambassador additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Goals

The situation were additionally exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the president's actions, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."

Ever since assuming office, the US president has repeatedly unnerved transatlantic partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of military force to acquire Greenland. This position comes during growing great-power 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 "tiny amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Tensions and Indigenous Resistance

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

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

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to declare independence for many years.

Analyst View: A Credible Threat?

Military analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a move. One policy director specializing in defence admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could intervene about it," she concluded.