American Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Concerns of Future Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its president have ignited worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas campaign, a prominent conservative commentator, who is the spouse of a senior White House aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "COMING."

This blatant threat to absorb the mineral-rich land, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."

The ambassador further highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its military budget this year, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "Furthermore, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he emphasized.

Administrative Moves and Geopolitical Interests

The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Military Action

In a significant media interview, the leader refused to exclude the use of armed action to acquire Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power 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 stated.

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

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."

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 take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

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

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