US Attack on Venezuela Fuels Fears of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The recent US-led military action in Venezuela and the capture of its leader have sparked worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island following the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Merely a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is the spouse of a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Danish representatives.

"We are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the North."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending this year, allocating a large sum specifically for Arctic and regional defence. "And yes, we demand complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.

Political Moves and Strategic Interests

The tensions were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, linking it to the wider "war on drugs."

Since assuming office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically important for defence and future mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.

Leaving the Door Open to Force

In a notable television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing 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 described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."

Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition

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

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

Public opinion in Greenland shows a complex sentiment. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for over a decade.

Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?

Military analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.