American Military Operation on Venezuela Raises Concerns of Potential Greenland Annexation.

The recent American military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly turned their attention to the resource-rich island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.

Inflammatory Posts and Official Outrage

Merely a short time after the commencement of the Caracas operation, a well-known conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, posted a suggestive map. The graphic showed Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word caption: "SOON."

This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's officials.

"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the Arctic."

The diplomat further highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget recently, allocating a substantial sum specifically for Arctic and regional security. "And yes, we demand full recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Moves and Strategic Goals

The situation were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."

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

Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently hosts the northernmost US air base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television interview, the president declined to rule out the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing 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 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 international security."

Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Denmark's security agency 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 stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot take over other countries."

Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a vast majority of the territory's residents seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.

Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some analysts are increasingly re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director focusing in defence admitted she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a couple thousand soldiers on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she concluded.