US Military Operation on Venezuela Fuels Anxieties of Future Greenland Annexation.

Recent American military action in Venezuela and the seizure of its president have sparked worry regarding Washington's ambitions on Greenland. Supporters of the former president's base have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass following the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Outrage

Only a short time after the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative podcaster, who is the spouse of a senior presidential aide, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant suggestion to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."

After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."

Ever since assuming office, the American leader has repeatedly alarmed European partners with his expressed desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for national security and future mineral exploitation. It currently hosts the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to exclude the resorting to armed action 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 "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Local Opposition

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

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

Surveys in Greenland shows a complex picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.

Analyst View: A Plausible Scenario?

Military experts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.